Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and increased wages gathered for a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, as their strike against the company enters its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This rally followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place last Friday.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout did not yield the workplace improvements its members were seeking. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nevertheless, this action is now noted as the largest strike in the history of the tech giant.
Samsung anticipates a substantial increase in second-quarter revenue, projecting a rise of more than 1,450% year-over-year, driven largely by the growth in artificial intelligence. They also reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU claims that employees have not seen corresponding wage increases despite Samsung’s impressive financial performance.
Many striking workers are employed in Samsung’s foundry, where cutting-edge computer chips are manufactured. Experts highlight that Samsung has a difficult history with union relations and lacks extensive experience in negotiating with its workforce.
A professor specializing in Korean studies remarked that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower labor movements throughout South Korea.