Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and higher wages organized a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their strike, which has now entered its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered and marched through the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea. This demonstration followed preliminary wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout did not achieve the changes its members are seeking. While the union represents over 30,000 workers, it remains unclear how many are actively participating in the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this act of protest has become the largest strike in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung’s revenue for the second quarter is projected to surge by more than 1,450% compared to last year, driven by developments in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the company has reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU has expressed discontent, stating that employees have not experienced corresponding pay raises despite the record financial performance.
A significant portion of the strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where advanced computer chips are manufactured. Industry experts note that Samsung has a history of being resistant to union activities and lacks substantial experience in negotiations with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, commented that if the workers at Samsung succeed in their efforts, it could strengthen labor movements across South Korea.