Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages held a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their protest against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally and marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. The action followed initial wage negotiation talks that took place on Friday between the union and Samsung.
The NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not yield the desired workplace improvements. While the union represents more than 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are involved in the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this strike is noted as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung projecting a revenue increase of over 1,450% year-over-year for the second quarter due to an AI boom and reporting a tenfold rise in profits during the first quarter of 2024, NSEU members have expressed that they have not seen corresponding pay increases in light of these record profits.
Many striking workers are involved in the company’s foundry, where advanced computer chips are produced. Observers note that Samsung has a history of being resistant to unions and lacks experience in negotiations with its workers.
Experts suggest that a successful outcome for Samsung workers could have a significant impact on labor dynamics throughout South Korea.