Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and increased wages organized a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, continuing their protests into a third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in a march along the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiations that took place between the union and Samsung on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not achieve the workplace advancements that members sought. While the union encompasses over 30,000 employees, it is unclear how many have joined the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this current strike marks the largest in the history of the technology company.
Samsung projects its second-quarter revenue will increase by over 1,450% year-over-year, fueled by a boom in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the company reported a tenfold rise in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU claims that workers are yet to see corresponding pay increases despite the company’s remarkable financial performance.
Many striking workers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where advanced computer chips are produced. Experts have noted that Samsung has a reputation for being unfriendly toward unions 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 may inspire and empower labor movements throughout South Korea.