Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and increased pay gathered for a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their protest against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the demonstration, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by various sources. This rally followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday.
The NSEU had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not lead to the desired workplace improvements. While the union has more than 30,000 members, it remains unclear how many are currently on the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this action is considered the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung anticipates a massive increase in its second-quarter revenue, projecting a rise of over 1,450% year-on-year, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU argues that despite the company’s financial success, workers have not seen corresponding increases in their wages.
Many strikers are engaged in the production of some of the world’s most sophisticated computer chips at Samsung’s foundry. Experts note that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to unionization and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
A professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, Vladimir Tikhonov, indicated that if the Samsung workers are successful in their efforts, it could have a positive impact on labor movements throughout South Korea.