Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and fairer wages gathered for a substantial rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the ongoing struggle that has now entered 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 follows initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place last Friday. The NSEU had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not achieve the workplace improvements sought by its members. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number of those currently on strike remains unclear. Nevertheless, this strike is noted as the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Despite Samsung’s reported projections of over 1,450% year-over-year revenue growth in the second quarter, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence, the NSEU emphasizes that workers have not experienced corresponding pay increases, despite the significant profits reported earlier in 2024. Many of the striking employees are engaged in the production of highly advanced computer chips at Samsung’s foundry.
Experts contend that Samsung has historically been resistant to unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workers. One academic, Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, remarked that if the Samsung employees achieve success in their endeavors, it could inspire and empower workers across the labor landscape in South Korea.
This situation underscores a critical moment in labor rights, as it reflects the broader struggle for equitable treatment and fair compensation within powerful corporations. The outcome of this strike could not only influence Samsung’s labor policies but might also have lasting implications for workplace conditions in South Korea’s booming tech industry.
In summary, the ongoing strike by Samsung employees highlights the tension between corporate profitability and employee welfare. As they push for fair treatment, there is hope that their efforts could pave the way for stronger labor rights nationwide.