Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and higher wages gathered for a large rally in South Korea on Monday, as their strike enters its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) marched through the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiations held between the union and Samsung on Friday.
The NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous work stoppage did not yield the desired workplace improvements for its members. Although the union represents over 30,000 workers, it remains unclear how many are participating in the ongoing indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this strike is noted as the largest in the history of the technology firm.
Samsung anticipates a more than 1,450% increase in revenue for the second quarter compared to the previous year, largely attributed to a boom in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU indicated that employees have not seen corresponding wage increases despite these record profits.
Many of the striking workers are employed in Samsung’s foundry, where some of the world’s most advanced computer chips are manufactured. Experts point out that Samsung has a reputation for being hostile to unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Korean studies professor Vladimir Tikhonov from the University of Oslo stated that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could significantly empower labor movements throughout South Korea.