Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) took part in a significant rally at the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, on Monday, as their strike for improved working conditions and higher wages extends into its third week.
The demonstration occurred following initial wage talks held between the union and Samsung last Friday. The NSEU initially declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not achieve the workplace improvements sought by its members.
While the union represents over 30,000 workers, it remains unclear how many have joined the indefinite strike, which is noted to be the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung anticipates a remarkable surge of over 1,450% year-over-year in its second-quarter revenue, primarily driven by an AI boom. Additionally, the company reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first three months of 2024. However, the NSEU claims that workers have not experienced corresponding wage increases despite these record profits.
Many strikers are employed in Samsung’s foundry, where some of the world’s most advanced computer chips are manufactured. Experts indicate that Samsung has a history of being adversarial towards unions and lacks substantial experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, mentioned that a successful strike by Samsung workers could strengthen the position of labor across South Korea.