Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and increased wages staged a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their strike against the company into its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, which took place at the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This demonstration followed preliminary wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that occurred on Friday.
The NSEU had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements. While the union represents over 30,000 staff members, it remains unclear how many are currently involved in the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this action is considered the largest strike in the company’s history.
Samsung is anticipating a significant increase in its second-quarter revenue, projecting a rise of more than 1,450% year-over-year, largely driven by advancements in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the company reported a tenfold boost in profits for the first quarter of 2024. Nevertheless, the NSEU has emphasized that workers have not seen corresponding increases in their wages despite these record profits.
Many strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where they manufacture some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Experts note that Samsung has a history of being resistant to union activities and lacks experience in negotiating with its employees.
Prof. Vladimir Tikhonov, a Korean studies expert at the University of Oslo, stated that if Samsung workers achieve success in their efforts, it could strengthen the labor movement across South Korea.