Samsung employees demanding improved working conditions and higher wages organized a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, as their strike enters its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching 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 a prior walkout failed to achieve the desired workplace improvements.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nonetheless, this is the largest strike in Samsung’s history.
Samsung anticipates a significant rise in its second-quarter revenue, projecting an increase of over 1,450% year-over-year due to the artificial intelligence sector’s growth. Additionally, the company reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, NSEU members contend that their wages have not reflected these record returns.
Many striking workers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where some of the most advanced computer chips globally are manufactured, according to AFP.
Experts highlight that Samsung has a reputation for being unfriendly towards unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
“Should Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it will empower labor movements across South Korea,” stated Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, as reported by AFP.