Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and higher wages held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their strike against the company into its third week.
Approximately 1,200 workers from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally and marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, as reported by the Associated Press.
This action followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU announced an indefinite strike starting July 8 after a previous walkout did not yield the desired workplace improvements for its members.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number currently participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nonetheless, this strike is noted as the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung anticipates 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. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU claims that workers have not seen corresponding wage hikes despite the record profits.
Many of the striking workers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where they produce some of the world’s most advanced computer chips, according to AFP.
Experts indicate that Samsung has a reputation for being unfriendly towards unions and lacks substantial experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, noted that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower labor movements across South Korea.