A significant rally was held by Samsung employees in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their strike for improved working conditions and higher wages into its third week. Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the demonstration, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press.
The protest follows initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that took place last Friday. The NSEU declared an indefinite strike beginning July 8 after earlier efforts fell short of achieving the workplace improvements that employees seek. While the union represents over 30,000 workers, the exact number of those participating in the current strike remains uncertain. Nevertheless, it is noted as the largest labor action in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung Electronics witnessing a remarkable surge in revenue—anticipated to rise over 1,450% year-over-year due to a boom in artificial intelligence—the workers feel neglected, with the NSEU asserting that employees have not benefitted from these record profits. Many of the strikers are employed in Samsung’s foundry, known for producing some of the most advanced computer chips globally.
Experts highlight that Samsung has a challenging history with union negotiations, marking the landscape for these ongoing disputes. Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that success for the Samsung workers could bolster labor movements across South Korea.
This situation underscores the increasing demand for improved labor conditions in the tech industry, especially as companies report soaring profits during a technological boom. The workers’ ongoing efforts may not only lead to better terms for themselves but also inspire other labor groups in the region to advocate for their rights more assertively.
As the workers continue their fight, optimism remains that their actions could pave the way for more equitable practices within the tech industry, potentially benefiting the broader workforce in South Korea.