Samsung employees in South Korea are continuing their strike for improved working conditions and higher wages, having organized a significant rally on Monday, marking the third week of their actions. Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) took part in a march at the Giheung campus in Yongin.
The rally followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place last Friday. The NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after previous efforts to secure better workplace conditions did not yield satisfactory results.
While the union claims to represent over 30,000 employees, the precise number participating in the indefinite strike is unclear. Nonetheless, this strike stands out as the largest in the history of the technology giant. The backdrop of this labor action is Samsung’s anticipated second-quarter revenue surge, projected to rise over 1,450% year-over-year, largely driven by advancements in artificial intelligence. The company has also reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. Despite these impressive financial results, union representatives state that the employees are not experiencing any corresponding pay increases.
A significant portion of the striking workers is employed at Samsung’s foundry, where they manufacture some of the world’s most sophisticated computer chips. Experts have noted that Samsung has a history of being resistant to unionization and lacks substantial experience in effectively negotiating with its workforce.
There’s hope that if the Samsung workers achieve their goals, it could inspire and empower labor movements across South Korea, as highlighted by Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenge faced by workers demanding fair compensation and improved conditions in a rapidly changing technological landscape. It also underscores the potential for positive changes in labor relations if employees are able to successfully advocate for their rights.