Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages gathered for a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their collective action against the company.
Around 1,200 workers from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by various news sources.
The protest followed initial wage negotiation meetings between the union and Samsung on Friday. The NSEU workers initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after previous efforts to secure workplace improvements failed.
While the union comprises over 30,000 members, it remains uncertain how many have joined the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this strike is being recognized as the largest in the company’s history.
Samsung is anticipating a dramatic rise in its second-quarter revenue, projected to increase by over 1,450% year-on-year, largely attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU claims that workers have not seen corresponding wage increases despite these financial successes.
Many of the striking employees work at Samsung’s foundry, where highly sophisticated computer chips are manufactured.
Experts note that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to unions and lacks substantial experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that if Samsung workers achieve success in their efforts, it could significantly empower labor movements across South Korea.