Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and increased wages organized a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their protest against the company.
Approximately 1,200 workers from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday.
The NSEU declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not yield the workplace improvements its members were seeking. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it’s unclear how many are currently participating in the indefinite strike; however, this is noted to be the largest strike in the company’s history.
Samsung anticipates a more than 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue year-over-year, driven by a surge in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the company reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. Despite these financial gains, the NSEU argues that workers have not seen corresponding increases in their pay.
Many strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundries, where they produce some of the most sophisticated computer chips globally. Experts also point out that Samsung has a history of being unfriendly towards unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
An expert on Korean studies noted that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower other labor movements across South Korea.