Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and increased pay held a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their strike which has now entered its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching along the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation talks between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday.
The NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are actively participating in the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this strike is recognized as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung anticipates a significant increase in second-quarter revenue, projecting a rise of more than 1,450% year-over-year due to an AI boom, and reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, NSEU has expressed concerns that workers have not seen corresponding increases in pay despite the record profits.
Many of the striking employees are from Samsung’s foundry, responsible for manufacturing some of the most sophisticated computer chips globally. Analysts note that Samsung has a reputation for being unwelcoming towards unions and lacks substantial experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Experts suggest that if Samsung workers succeed in their current efforts, it could bolster labor movements throughout South Korea, as noted by Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo.