Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and increased salaries organized a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their strike against the company into its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the demonstration, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea.
This rally followed initial wage negotiation discussions that took place between the union and Samsung on Friday.
The NSEU declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout did not achieve the workplace improvements its members are demanding.
While the union represents over 30,000 workers, it remains unclear how many have joined the indefinite strike, which is already noted as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung anticipating a staggering 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue year-over-year driven by a surge in AI demand, workers have reported no corresponding raises in their pay, according to the union. The tech giant also saw a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024, making the union’s claims more pressing.
Many strikers are employed in Samsung’s foundries, which manufacture some of the world’s most advanced computer chips.
Experts suggest that Samsung has a history of being uncooperative with unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workers. According to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, if the Samsung workers achieve their goals, it could inspire labor movements across South Korea.