Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and increased pay gathered for a significant 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) participated in the rally, marching along the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports.
This demonstration follows initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday. NSEU workers began an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout did not achieve the workplace improvements their members seek.
While the union represents over 30,000 workers, it remains unclear how many are participating in the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this action is noted as the largest in the company’s history.
Samsung has projected an impressive growth in its second-quarter revenue, estimating a year-over-year increase of over 1,450%, fueled by a surge in AI-related business. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU contends that workers have not seen corresponding pay increases despite these record profits.
Many of the striking workers are employed in Samsung’s foundry, which produces some of the most advanced computer chips globally. The company is known for being unfriendly toward unions and has limited experience in negotiating with its workforce.
“A successful outcome for Samsung workers would empower labor movements throughout South Korea,” remarked Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo.