Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages conducted a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their protest against the company.
Around 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered and marched along the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiations that took place with Samsung on Friday.
Workers from the NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the desired improvements in the workplace. While the union represents more than 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are participating in the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this is the largest strike in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung anticipates a second-quarter revenue increase of over 1,450% year-over-year, primarily due to a boom in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first three months of 2024. However, the NSEU contends that workers have not seen corresponding increases in their wages despite these record financial results.
Many of the striking employees are involved in Samsung’s foundry operations, where they manufacture some of the most advanced computer chips globally. Moreover, experts highlight the company’s historically adversarial stance towards unions and its lack of experience in engaging with its workforce.
If the Samsung workers succeed in their current efforts, it could pave the way for greater empowerment of labor movements across South Korea, according to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo.