Employees at Samsung are striking for improved working conditions and increased wages, with a significant rally taking place on Monday in South Korea as the protest enters its third week. Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the demonstration, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin.
This rally followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung, which occurred on Friday. The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout failed to achieve the desired workplace improvements.
While the union represents over 30,000 workers, it remains unclear how many are actively participating in the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this action marks the largest strike in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung has projected a significant increase in its second-quarter revenue, which it anticipates will rise more than 1,450% year-over-year, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the company reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU claims that workers have not seen corresponding wage increases despite the impressive 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 point out that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to union activities and lacks experience in labor negotiations.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, noted that if Samsung workers achieve their goals, it could strengthen labor movements across South Korea.