Samsung employees demanding improved working conditions and higher wages gathered for a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their protest 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, as reported by the Associated Press.
This rally follows initial wage negotiation talks held between the union and Samsung on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the workplace improvements its members are seeking.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are currently on the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this strike is noted to be the largest in the technology company’s history.
Samsung anticipates its second-quarter revenue will increase more than 1,450% year-over-year, largely due to a boom in artificial intelligence. Additionally, it noted a tenfold rise in profits for the first three months of 2024. Despite these record earnings, the NSEU claims workers have not seen corresponding increases in pay.
Many strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, which produces some of the world’s most advanced computer chips, as reported by AFP.
Experts also highlight that Samsung has a well-documented history of resisting unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could strengthen labor movements across South Korea.