Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and increased wages gathered for a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing protest against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally and marched through the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press.
This demonstration followed initial wage negotiations held between the union and Samsung last Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not result in the desired workplace improvements for its members.
While the union represents over 30,000 staff, it remains unclear how many have joined the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this strike is noted as the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung anticipates a substantial increase in its second-quarter revenue, projected to rise by more than 1,450% year-over-year, driven by a boom in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the company reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. Despite these record returns, the NSEU asserts that workers have not experienced corresponding increases in their wages.
Many strikers are involved in Samsung’s foundry operations, where they produce some of the world’s most advanced computer chips.
Experts indicate that Samsung has a reputation for being unfriendly toward unions and lacks extensive experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, noted that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower labor movements across South Korea.