Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and higher wages organized a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the ongoing strike against the company as it enters its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered and marched across the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, as reported by the Associated Press. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung, which took place last Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout did not yield the desired workplace improvements for its members. While the union represents over 30,000 workers, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Notably, this strike is the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung anticipates a substantial increase in its second-quarter revenue, projecting growth of more than 1,450% year-over-year, largely attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU highlighted that workers have not experienced corresponding pay increases despite these record earnings.
Many striking employees are involved in Samsung’s foundry, where they produce some of the world’s most advanced computer chips, as noted by AFP.
Experts have indicated that Samsung has a reputation for being unfriendly towards unions and lacks substantial experience in negotiating with its workforce. Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, remarked that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could strengthen the labor movement throughout South Korea.