Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages gathered for a large rally in South Korea on Monday as their protest 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, according to reports.
This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions that took place between the union and Samsung last Friday.
The NSEU workers initially declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements.
While the union claims to represent over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are currently participating in the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this strike is being recognized as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung anticipates a surge in its second-quarter revenue, projecting an increase of more than 1,450% year-over-year, largely attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. Despite these record financial results, NSEU has indicated that employees have not received corresponding wage increases.
Many employees involved in the strike are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where some of the world’s most advanced computer chips are manufactured.
Experts note that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to unions and lacks significant experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Academic Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, remarked that a successful strike by Samsung workers could empower labor movements throughout South Korea.