Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing protest against the company.
Around 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally and marched through the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This rally followed initial wage negotiation discussions that took place between the union and Samsung last Friday.
NSEU workers initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements for union members. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number currently on indefinite strike remains unclear. Nevertheless, this strike is recognized as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung projecting a more than 1,450% year-over-year increase in second-quarter revenue due to advancements in AI technology and reporting a tenfold increase in profits for the first three months of 2024, union leaders claim that workers are not reaping the benefits in terms of pay raises.
Many of the striking employees are employed in Samsung’s foundry, where they manufacture some of the most advanced computer chips globally. Observers note that Samsung has historically been resistant to unionization and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Experts suggest that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower labor movements across South Korea.