Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and higher wages organized a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, as their strike against the company 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, South Korea, as reported by the Associated Press.
This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation talks between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not yield the workplace improvements its members sought. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are participating in the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this is recorded as the largest strike in the company’s history.
Samsung anticipates a significant increase in second-quarter revenue, expecting a rise of more than 1,450% year-over-year, propelled by an AI boom. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU claims that workers have not seen corresponding pay increases amidst these record profits.
Many strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, which is involved in the production of some of the world’s most advanced computer chips, according to AFP.
Experts note that Samsung has a history of being resistant to unionization and has limited experience in negotiating with its employees. Professor Vladimir Tikhonov from the University of Oslo remarked that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower labor movements across South Korea.