Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and increased pay gathered for a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their strike action into its third week.
Approximately 1,200 workers from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press.
This protest followed initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout failed to yield the workplace improvements its members are seeking.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are currently participating in the indefinite strike, which is noted to be the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Despite Samsung forecasting a revenue increase of more than 1,450% year-over-year for the second quarter, propelled by a surge in AI-related demand, the workers claim they have not seen any corresponding pay rises, even as the company reported a tenfold profit increase for the first quarter of 2024.
Many of the strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where the company manufactures some of the most advanced computer chips globally.
Experts indicate that Samsung has a reputation for being unfriendly toward unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Professor Vladimir Tikhonov from the University of Oslo noted that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower the broader labor movement in South Korea.