Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and higher wages held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their strike against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in a march across the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, as reported by the Associated Press. This demonstration follows initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU commenced 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 is unclear how many are currently participating in the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this action stands as the largest strike in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung anticipates a remarkable increase of more than 1,450% in second-quarter revenue year-over-year, buoyed by a surge in AI technology. Additionally, the company reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, NSEU representatives assert that workers have not experienced wage increases in light of these substantial profits.
Many strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, which manufactures some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Observers note that Samsung has a reputation for being unfriendly towards unions 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 achieve success in their efforts, it could significantly strengthen labor movements across South Korea.