Employees at Samsung are protesting for improved working conditions and higher wages, holding a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their strike.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered and marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung on Friday.
The NSEU’s indefinite strike began on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not yield the desired improvements in workplace conditions. While the union represents over 30,000 workers, it remains unclear how many are actively participating in the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this current action is being described as the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung has projected a more than 1,450% increase in revenue for the second quarter compared to last year, fueled by a boom in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU argues that workers have not seen corresponding increases in their salaries despite the company’s record profits.
Many striking workers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where they produce some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to union activities and has limited experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Experts suggest that if the workers succeed in their current efforts, it could have positive implications for labor rights across South Korea.