Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and increased pay held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their protest against the company.
Approximately 1,200 workers from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, according to reports.
The demonstration followed initial wage negotiation talks between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday. The NSEU workers launched an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout failed to achieve the workplace improvements they are seeking.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it is unclear how many are actively participating in the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this ongoing action is noted as the largest strike in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung anticipates a more than 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue compared to the previous year, largely driven by a surge in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU claims that workers have not benefited from these record profits through higher wages.
Many striking employees are involved in Samsung’s foundry, which produces some of the most advanced computer chips globally. Experts also highlight Samsung’s challenging relationship with unions, noting the company has limited experience in negotiating with its workforce.
An expert in Korean studies from the University of Oslo, Vladimir Tikhonov, remarked that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower labor movements across South Korea.