Samsung employees protesting for improved working conditions and better wages held 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, according to reports. This protest followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place last Friday.
The NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not accomplish the workplace improvements its members are seeking. While the union claims to represent over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are actively on strike. Nevertheless, this current strike marks the largest in Samsung’s history.
Despite an anticipated increase of over 1,450% in second-quarter revenue, largely attributed to a boom in artificial intelligence, and a tenfold surge in profits for the first three months of 2024, workers indicate they have not seen corresponding wage increases, according to the NSEU.
Many striking workers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, which manufactures some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Experts highlight Samsung’s historical resistance to unions and its limited experience in negotiating with employees.
According to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, if the Samsung workers achieve success in their efforts, it could empower labor movements throughout South Korea.