Samsung employees are currently in their third week of striking for improved working conditions and higher wages, with approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participating in a large rally at the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea.
The strike follows initial wage negotiations held last Friday between the union and Samsung, which did not yield satisfactory results. The NSEU, which represents over 30,000 employees, declared an indefinite strike starting July 8 after previous efforts to secure better conditions did not succeed. This ongoing action marks the largest strike in the company’s history.
Despite Samsung’s anticipated 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue, fueled largely by the booming artificial intelligence sector, NSEU members have expressed frustration that their wages have not reflected the company’s significant financial success. Many striking workers are engaged in the production of advanced computer chips at Samsung’s foundry.
Experts point out that Samsung’s history of being resistant to unions may complicate negotiations, as the company has limited experience in engaging with its employees in this manner. However, there is a silver lining; if the workers’ efforts bear fruit, it could inspire and empower labor movements across South Korea.
In a broader context, this strike may represent a pivotal moment for worker rights in the technology sector. The fight for better wages and conditions is a vital issue globally, and the outcome could set important precedents for not only Samsung but other companies and their workers as well.
By continuing their struggle, these workers are not just seeking personal gains but also advocating for a more equitable labor environment that might benefit the larger workforce in South Korea.