Samsung employees demanding improved working conditions and higher wages demonstrated in a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing strike.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the event, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, as reported by various news outlets.
This rally followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday.
NSEU workers initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous attempt to secure better workplace conditions did not succeed.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many have joined the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this current action is noted as the largest strike in the company’s history.
Samsung is anticipating a more than 1,450% year-over-year increase in revenue for the second quarter, spurred by a surge in AI technology. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU argues that workers have not seen corresponding pay increases despite the company’s record earnings.
Many striking employees are involved in Samsung’s foundry operations, where they manufacture some of the world’s most advanced computer chips.
Experts highlight that Samsung has a history of being unwelcoming towards unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
According to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, if Samsung workers achieve their goals, it could empower labor movements throughout South Korea.