Employees of Samsung are continuing their strike for improved working conditions and better pay, with a significant rally held on Monday in South Korea, marking the third week of their protest. Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered and marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, signaling their resolve to secure better workplace conditions.
This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place last Friday. The NSEU had initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not yield the desired outcomes for its members. Although the union represents over 30,000 employees, the precise number of those participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nevertheless, this strike represents the largest collective action in the history of Samsung.
Despite Samsung’s expectations of a staggering 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue due to the AI boom, along with a tenfold rise in profits reported for the first quarter of 2024, the NSEU has highlighted that workers are not seeing corresponding improvements in their pay or benefits. The striking workers primarily operate in Samsung’s foundries, which are known for producing some of the most advanced computer chips globally.
Experts have noted that Samsung has been historically resistant to unionization and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce. However, the ongoing effort by Samsung workers could set a precedent for labor movements across South Korea. As Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, pointed out, a successful outcome for the workers could inspire and empower labor throughout the nation.
In summary, the Samsung strike not only highlights the workers’ struggle for fair compensation but also underscores a potential shift in labor relations in South Korea. As the workforce stands firm, there is hope that their actions may bring about significant improvements not just for Samsung employees, but for workers broadly across the country.