Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and higher wages gathered for a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing strike against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the demonstration, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press.
This rally followed initial wage negotiation talks held between the union and Samsung on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The strike began on July 8, following a previous walkout that did not result in the workplace improvements the union members sought.
While the NSEU comprises over 30,000 workers, it remains uncertain how many have joined the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this action is noted as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung projecting a staggering 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue year-over-year, largely attributed to the AI sector, workers have expressed frustration over stagnant wages amid record profits. Reports indicate that profits surged tenfold in the first quarter of 2024, yet essential pay increases have not been observed by employees.
A significant number of those participating in the strike are employed in Samsung’s foundry, where they manufacture some of the most advanced computer chips globally.
Experts point out that Samsung has a history of being resistant to unionization and lacks experience in negotiations with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, remarked that if Samsung’s workers prevail in their efforts, it could bolster the labor movement across South Korea.