Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher salaries held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday as their protest enters its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching along the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This demonstration took place following the union’s initial wage negotiation talks with Samsung on Friday.
The NSEU had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout did not lead to the desired workplace improvements for its members. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number currently on indefinite strike remains unclear, though it is noted to be the largest strike in the company’s history.
Despite Samsung Electronics forecasting a more than 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue compared to the previous year, attributed to a surge in artificial intelligence work, the NSEU has voiced concerns that workers are not experiencing corresponding pay increases despite the company’s record profits reported for the first quarter of 2024.
A large portion of the striking workforce is employed at Samsung’s foundry, which is responsible for manufacturing some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Experts have highlighted that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to unions and has limited experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Professor Vladimir Tikhonov from the University of Oslo noted that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower labor movements across South Korea.