Samsung employees demanding improved working conditions and higher wages demonstrated in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing strike.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, which took place at the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press. This event followed initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that occurred on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The union had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a past walkout did not yield desired workplace improvements. While the NSEU represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nevertheless, this strike is considered the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung is anticipating a significant increase in revenue, projecting a rise of over 1,450% year-over-year in the second quarter, largely attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the company reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU argues that workers have not seen corresponding pay raises despite these record financial gains.
Many strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where they produce some of the most advanced computer chips globally. Experts note that Samsung has a reputation for being unwelcoming toward unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could inspire labor movements across South Korea.