Samsung employees protesting for improved working conditions and increased wages organized a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their strike into its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the demonstration, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This protest followed initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after earlier efforts to secure workplace improvements fell short. While the union claims to represent over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are actively participating in the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this ongoing action is reported to be the largest in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung Electronics anticipating a remarkable surge of over 1,450% in second-quarter revenue due to the AI boom, and having reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024, the NSEU argues that workers are not benefiting from these financial successes through higher wages.
Many of the striking workers are involved in Samsung’s foundry, where they manufacture some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Observers note that Samsung has a reputation for being unfriendly towards unions and lacks experience in labor negotiations.
Experts believe that if the workers’ efforts prove successful, it could have a positive influence on labor rights across South Korea.