Approximately 1,200 employees from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) held a significant rally near the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, on Monday, as their strike for improved working conditions and increased wages enters its third week.
The demonstration occurred following initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung last Friday. Workers began an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not yield the desired workplace improvements.
While the NSEU represents over 30,000 workers, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nevertheless, this current strike marks the largest in the company’s history.
Despite Samsung Electronics reporting a staggering projected revenue increase of over 1,450% year over year due to the growth of artificial intelligence, with profits also surging tenfold in the first quarter of 2024, the union has pointed out that many employees are not receiving corresponding pay rises.
The strikers primarily work in Samsung’s foundry, responsible for manufacturing some of the most advanced computer chips globally. Experts note that Samsung has a history of being resistant to unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, remarked that if the workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower labor movements across South Korea.