Samsung workers demanding improved working conditions and higher wages staged a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their strike against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally at the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports.
This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions that took place on Friday between the union and Samsung.
The NSEU declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it is unclear how many are participating in the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this ongoing strike is recognized as the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Despite Samsung projecting a staggering 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue year-on-year, driven by a surge in AI, the NSEU claims that workers have not seen corresponding wage increases despite the company’s record profits.
The strike includes many workers from Samsung’s foundry, which manufactures some of the world’s most advanced computer chips.
Experts have noted that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to unions and has limited experience in negotiating with its employees.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower the broader labor movement across South Korea.