Samsung employees continuing their strike for improved working conditions and higher wages gathered for a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their action.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the demonstration, marching along the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press.
This rally followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday, according to Bloomberg. The NSEU first declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not yield the desired workplace advancements.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number of those involved in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nevertheless, this strike is the largest in the history of the technology company.
Samsung anticipates a staggering year-over-year revenue increase of more than 1,450% in the second quarter, driven by a surge in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold rise in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU noted that workers have not seen corresponding wage increases despite such substantial profits.
The majority of striking workers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where they manufacture some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Experts highlight that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to unions and lacks significant experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that if the Samsung workers succeed, it could bolster labor movements throughout South Korea.