Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their action against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered and marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This rally followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung on Friday.
The NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not yield sufficient workplace improvements for its members. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the specific number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nonetheless, this ongoing strike is noted to be the largest in the history of the technology firm.
Samsung anticipates a more than 1,450% increase in its second-quarter revenue compared to the previous year, driven by a surge in AI demand. The company also reported a tenfold rise in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU contends that workers have not received corresponding pay increases despite these record financial gains.
Many of the striking workers are employed in Samsung’s foundry, where they produce some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Additionally, experts highlight that Samsung is often resistant to union activities and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
According to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, if Samsung workers are successful in their efforts, it could inspire and strengthen labor movements across South Korea.