Samsung workers striking for improved working conditions and increased wages held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their action into the third week.
Around 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered and marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place last Friday.
The NSEU had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements. Although the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nonetheless, this current strike is noted as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung anticipating a substantial increase in second-quarter revenue, projected to soar over 1,450% year-over-year due to an AI boom, workers claim they have not benefited from these record profits. NSEU highlighted that employees have not received corresponding pay increases despite the company’s financial success.
Many striking workers are involved in the production of advanced computer chips at Samsung’s foundry. Experts have remarked on the company’s historical resistance to unions and lack of experience in negotiating with its workforce.
A professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, Vladimir Tikhonov, stated that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower labor movements across the rest of South Korea.