Samsung employees advocating for enhanced working conditions and improved wages organized a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their strike against the company into its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered and marched through the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press.
This rally followed initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after previous efforts fell short in achieving the desired workplace improvements its members sought.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, details regarding the exact number on indefinite strike remain unclear. Nevertheless, this strike is noted to be the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung anticipates a substantial revenue increase of over 1,450% year-over-year in the second quarter, fueled by a surge in AI-related demand. Additionally, the company reported a remarkable tenfold increase in profits during the first three months of 2024. However, the NSEU has highlighted that workers have not seen corresponding wage increases despite these record earnings.
A significant portion of those on strike is employed at Samsung’s foundry, known for producing some of the world’s most advanced computer chips.
Experts indicate that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to unionization and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
“If Samsung workers achieve success in this initiative, it could empower the broader labor movement across South Korea,” stated Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo.