Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages held a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing action against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea.
This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday. The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not yield the desired workplace improvements.
Though the union represents over 30,000 employees, it’s unclear how many are actively participating in the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this ongoing protest 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, primarily driven by a surge in AI-related business. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU contends that workers have not seen corresponding increases in their wages despite these record profits.
Many strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where some of the world’s most advanced computer chips are produced.
Experts note that Samsung has a history of being hostile towards unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce. According to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, if Samsung employees succeed in their efforts, it could inspire and empower labor movements across South Korea.