In South Korea, approximately 1,200 workers from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered for a large rally on Monday as they continue their strike for improved working conditions and higher wages, now entering its third week. This event took place at the Giheung campus in Yongin.
The rally followed initial wage negotiation discussions that took place on Friday between the union and the company. The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after previous attempts to achieve workplace improvements were unsuccessful. While the union claims representation for over 30,000 employees, it remains uncertain how many are participating in the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this current action marks the largest strike in the history of the technology giant.
Despite expectations that Samsung’s revenue for the second quarter could see an astonishing year-over-year increase of more than 1,450%, largely due to the surge in artificial intelligence, the NSEU has highlighted that workers are not benefiting from similar pay increases, despite the company’s record profits reported earlier in 2024.
Many of the striking employees are involved in Samsung’s foundry, which is responsible for manufacturing some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Experts note that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to unionization and has limited experience in engaging with its workforce in negotiations.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, mentioned that if Samsung workers are successful in their strike, it could bolster labor movements across South Korea.