In South Korea, employees of Samsung Electronics are voicing their demands for improved working conditions and increased wages by holding a significant rally. This demonstration marks the ongoing third week of their strike, which has garnered attention for its growing scale and implications.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, which took place at the Giheung campus in Yongin. The workers organized this action following initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and the company that occurred on the previous Friday.
On July 8, the NSEU declared an indefinite strike after earlier attempts to secure workplace improvements were unsuccessful. The union, representing over 30,000 employees, has embarked on what is now the largest strike in Samsung’s history. However, it remains uncertain how many of the union’s members are actively participating in the indefinite strike.
Despite the company expecting a staggering increase in second-quarter revenue—over 1,450% year-over-year due to advancements in artificial intelligence—and reporting a tenfold increase in profits for the first three months of 2024, workers have noted a lack of corresponding pay increases, according to the NSEU.
A significant number of strikers are employed in Samsung’s foundry, where they are responsible for producing some of the most advanced computer chips globally. Analysts point out that Samsung has a historically challenging relationship with union negotiations, which could complicate the matter further.
Experts believe that a successful outcome for Samsung’s workers could inspire the wider labor movement across South Korea. Professor Vladimir Tikhonov of the University of Oslo remarked that such a success could empower other laborers in the country.
This situation highlights a critical moment in labor relations within one of the world’s largest tech companies, as workers seek to have their voices heard amid soaring corporate profits.
Looking forward, this strike might initiate a broader conversation about fair labor practices within the tech industry and ensure that employees receive their fair share of the profits generated by their hard work.