Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and increased wages held a large 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) rallied and marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press.
This demonstration took place following initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung on Friday, as noted by Bloomberg.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after earlier walkouts failed to achieve their workplace objectives. While the union represents over 30,000 workers, it is uncertain how many are participating in the indefinite strike, which is still the largest in the tech giant’s history.
Samsung anticipates a remarkable increase in its second-quarter revenue, reporting a surge of over 1,450% year-over-year due to the AI boom. Additionally, the company noted a tenfold rise in profits for the first quarter of 2024. Despite these financial successes, the NSEU claims that employees have not seen corresponding pay increases.
Many of the striking workers are involved in Samsung’s foundry operations, which produce some of the world’s most advanced computer chips.
Experts highlight Samsung’s well-known resistance to unionization and its limited experience in engaging with its workforce. Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that a successful outcome for Samsung workers could empower labor movements across South Korea.