Employees at Samsung are striking for improved working conditions and better pay, organizing a large rally in South Korea on Monday as their protest enters its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally at the Giheung campus in Yongin. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung on Friday.
The NSEU had previously announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not yield the desired workplace improvements. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike is unclear. Nonetheless, this strike is the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung is anticipating a significant revenue increase, projecting a year-over-year rise of over 1,450% for the second quarter, largely due to a surge in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. Despite these record gains, the NSEU claims that workers are not receiving any corresponding pay raises.
Many striking employees are involved in Samsung’s foundry operations, which manufacture some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to unionization and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Experts suggest that if Samsung workers achieve their goals, it could inspire broader labor movements throughout South Korea.