Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages held a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing action against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered and marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press. This protest followed initial wage negotiations held between the union and Samsung on Friday, as noted by Bloomberg.
The NSEU had announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout failed to achieve workplace improvements that its members have been advocating for. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nevertheless, this strike is now recognized as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung is anticipating a significant rise in its second-quarter revenue, projecting an increase of over 1,450% year-over-year, largely attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the company reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU asserts that workers have not seen corresponding wage increases despite these impressive financial results.
Many strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundries, where they manufacture some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Experts emphasize that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to union activities and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower labor movements across South Korea.