Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher salaries gathered for a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing protest against the company.
Approximately 1,200 workers from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, as reported by the Associated Press. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not result in the workplace improvements its members sought. Despite the union representing over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are currently on indefinite strike. However, this action is noted as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung anticipates a significant increase in its second-quarter revenue, projecting a rise of more than 1,450% year-over-year, largely driven by advancements in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. Despite these impressive financial gains, NSEU members argue that workers have not received corresponding pay raises.
Many striking workers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where they produce some of the world’s most advanced computer chips, as highlighted by AFP.
Experts indicate that Samsung has a reputation for being unfriendly toward unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workers. Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that if Samsung workers are successful in their efforts, it could empower labor movements throughout South Korea.