Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages organized a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking three weeks of their ongoing action against the company.
Approximately 1,200 workers from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, which took place at the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that were held on Friday.
The NSEU declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the workplace improvements its members are advocating for.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are participating in the indefinite strike. However, this current strike is noted to be the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung anticipates a substantial increase in its second-quarter revenue, projected to rise by more than 1,450% year-over-year attributed to an AI boom, and reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first three months of 2024. Despite these record earnings, the NSEU claims that its workers have not seen corresponding pay increases.
Many of the striking employees are involved in Samsung’s foundry operations, where they produce some of the most advanced computer chips globally.
Experts note that Samsung has a reputation for being hostile towards unions and has limited experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, commented that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could strengthen labor movements across South Korea.