Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages organized a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing action against the company.
Approximately 1,200 workers from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching along the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports.
The protest followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday. The NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout failed to achieve the workplace improvements its members sought.
While the union has over 30,000 members, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike is unclear. Regardless, this strike is being touted as the largest in the history of the company.
Samsung anticipates a significant revenue surge of more than 1,450% year-over-year for the second quarter, driven by the AI boom, and reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU argues that workers have not seen corresponding pay increases despite these record profits.
Many of the striking employees are involved in Samsung’s foundry operations, where some of the most advanced computer chips globally are produced.
Experts point out that Samsung is known for its adversarial stance towards unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Professor Vladimir Tikhonov of the University of Oslo remarked that a victory for Samsung workers could significantly empower labor movements across South Korea.