Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and increased pay held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, as their protest against the company enters its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, according to reports.
This demonstration follows initial wage negotiation discussions that took place between the union and Samsung on Friday.
The NSEU had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout failed to yield the workplace improvements its members are seeking.
While the union represents over 30,000 workers, it remains unclear how many have joined the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this ongoing action marks the largest strike in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung anticipates a staggering increase of more than 1,450% in its second-quarter revenue year-over-year, driven by a surge in AI technology. In addition, the company reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. Despite these significant financial gains, the NSEU claims that workers have not seen corresponding pay increases.
Many of the striking employees are engaged in chip production at Samsung’s foundries, known for manufacturing some of the world’s most advanced computer chips.
Experts note that Samsung has a reputation for being significantly uncooperative with unions and lacks experience in employee negotiations.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that if Samsung workers achieve success in their efforts, it could serve to strengthen labor movements across South Korea.