Samsung employees who are striking for improved working conditions and higher wages held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing protest against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday.
NSEU workers declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are currently participating in the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this strike has been noted as the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung anticipates a remarkable increase in second-quarter revenue, expecting a rise of over 1,450% year-over-year, attributed to a surge in artificial intelligence demand. The company has also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU argues that workers have not seen corresponding pay increases despite these record profits.
Many participants in the strike are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where some of the world’s most advanced computer chips are produced. Furthermore, experts indicate that Samsung has a reputation for being anti-union and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that if the Samsung workers achieve their goals, it could empower the broader labor movement in South Korea.