Samsung employees who are striking for improved working conditions and increased pay held 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) gathered and marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday.
The NSEU originally announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. However, this action marks the largest strike in Samsung’s history.
Despite a significant projected revenue increase in the second quarter—anticipated to rise over 1,450% year-over-year due to a boost from AI—and a tenfold profit rise in the first quarter of 2024, the NSEU claims that workers have not seen corresponding pay increases.
Many striking employees are employed in Samsung’s foundry, responsible for producing some of the most advanced computer chips globally. Experts note that Samsung is known for its hostility towards unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
A professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, Vladimir Tikhonov, stated that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could strengthen labor movements throughout South Korea.