Workers at Samsung Electronics are making their voices heard as they rally for improved working conditions and better pay. On Monday, approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered at the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, marking the continuation of their strike, which has now entered its third week.
The protest follows an initial round of wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that took place last Friday. The workers had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not yield the desired outcomes related to workplace benefits and compensation.
Though the NSEU represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are participating in the ongoing strike. Regardless, it is noteworthy that this action is the largest strike in Samsung’s history. Meanwhile, the company is experiencing significant financial success, anticipating a staggering 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue compared to the previous year, driven largely by advancements in AI technologies. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, workers have expressed frustration that these record profits have not translated into higher wages or improved benefits for them.
A significant number of striking employees are involved in the foundry operations, which are responsible for producing some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Experts point out that Samsung has a history of being unfriendly towards union activities and lacks substantial experience in dealing with worker negotiations.
Professor Vladimir Tikhonov, an expert in Korean studies at the University of Oslo, highlighted the broader implications of this strike, stating that if Samsung employees achieve their goals, it could inspire and empower labor movements across South Korea.
In summary, the ongoing strike at Samsung reflects a conflict between the company’s remarkable financial achievements and its employees’ demand for better pay and conditions. As this situation unfolds, it holds significant potential to influence the labor landscape not only within Samsung but throughout the South Korean economy. The determination of workers in this pivotal moment may lead to positive changes in labor rights and workplace standards.