Samsung employees have organized a significant rally in South Korea to advocate for improved working conditions and increased wages, marking the continuation of their strike into its third week. Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered at the Giheung campus in Yongin, underscoring their determination for better labor conditions.
The rally coincided with initial wage negotiation discussions held between the union and Samsung last Friday. The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8, following a previous walkout that did not yield the desired improvements in workplace conditions. Although the union represents over 30,000 employees, the specific number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nonetheless, this ongoing action is the most significant in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung’s expectation of a remarkable 1,450% surge in second-quarter revenue year-over-year, driven by the AI boom, and a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024, workers argue that they have yet to see any substantial pay increases reflecting these record profits. Many strike participants are employed in Samsung’s foundries, which are known for producing some of the most advanced computer chips globally.
Experts have noted Samsung’s challenging relationship with labor unions, suggesting a lack of experience in negotiating with its workforce. However, the ongoing strike represents an opportunity for labor empowerment across South Korea, as highlighted by Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo. If the workers are successful, it could set a precedent for increased labor rights and benefits in the region.
This strike not only emphasizes the importance of fair labor practices but also demonstrates the increasing unity and strength of workers in advocating for their rights. The situation offers hope that positive change may arise from this push, leading to better conditions for workers across various sectors in South Korea.