Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and increased pay held a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their protest.
Approximately 1,200 members from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, which took place at the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea.
This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that occurred on Friday, as reported by Bloomberg.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout failed to secure their demands for better workplace conditions. While the union represents more than 30,000 workers, the precise number involved in the indefinite strike is unclear. Nonetheless, this action represents the largest strike in the history of the tech giant.
Samsung predicts a significant increase in its second-quarter revenue, estimating a rise of over 1,450% year-over-year, largely attributable to a surge in AI demand. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU has stated that workers have not seen corresponding pay increases despite these record profits.
Many of the striking employees are employed at Samsung’s foundry, producing some of the world’s most sophisticated computer chips.
Experts indicate that Samsung is known for its resistance to union activities and has limited experience in negotiating with its workforce. Professor Vladimir Tikhonov from the University of Oslo remarked that if Samsung employees succeed in their efforts, it could strengthen labor movements across South Korea.