Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing protest against the company.
Approximately 1,200 workers from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This demonstration followed preliminary wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place last Friday.
The NSEU had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after prior efforts to secure workplace improvements did not yield satisfactory results. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many have joined the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this action is noted as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung’s anticipation of a staggering 1,450% year-over-year increase in second-quarter revenue, largely driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, and a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024, the NSEU argues that workers are not benefiting from these financial gains.
Many of the striking employees are engaged in Samsung’s foundry, where some of the world’s most advanced computer chips are produced. The company is known for having a challenging stance towards unions and lacks extensive experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Experts, including Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, suggest that a successful outcome for Samsung workers could bolster labor movements across South Korea.