Around 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered for a significant rally in Yongin, South Korea, on Monday, as their strike for improved working conditions and higher wages entered its third week.
The demonstration followed initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday. The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after previous attempts to secure better working conditions were unsuccessful.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it is unclear how many are actively participating in the indefinite strike, which is noted as the largest in the history of the technology firm.
Samsung anticipates a staggering increase of more than 1,450% in second-quarter revenue due to a boom in artificial intelligence and reported a tenfold profit increase in the first quarter of 2024. However, NSEU has stated that workers are not seeing any corresponding rise in their wages despite these record financial results.
Many of the striking workers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where they produce some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Experts indicate that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to unionization and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
According to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, if the Samsung workers succeed in their strike, it could strengthen labor movements across South Korea.