Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and increased wages organized a large rally in South Korea on Monday, as their protest against the company enters its third week.
Around 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements for its members. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are currently on indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this strike is noted to be the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung anticipates a more than 1,450% increase in its second-quarter revenue year-over-year due to a surge in artificial intelligence demand. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits in the first quarter of 2024. However, union representatives argue that workers have not seen corresponding pay raises despite these record profits.
Many striking workers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where advanced computer chips are manufactured. Experts highlight that Samsung has a reputation for being unfriendly toward unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
According to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, a successful outcome for Samsung workers in their efforts could strengthen labor movements across South Korea.