Samsung employees are rallying for improved working conditions and higher wages in South Korea as their strike enters its third week. Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in a significant demonstration at Samsung’s Giheung campus in Yongin.
This rally follows initial wage negotiation talks that took place last Friday between the union and the company. The NSEU had announced an indefinite strike beginning on July 8 when previous negotiations did not lead to satisfactory results for its members.
While representing over 30,000 employees, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear, but it is already noted as the largest strike in Samsung’s history. Despite a substantial expected increase of over 1,450% in Samsung’s second-quarter revenue, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, workers claim they have not seen corresponding increases in pay.
Many strikers are based in the company’s foundry, which produces cutting-edge computer chips. Unfortunately, the situation is compounded by Samsung’s historical reluctance to negotiate with unions, which has reportedly led to a challenging environment for labor discussions.
Experts highlight that should Samsung workers achieve their goals, it could serve as a significant boost for the labor movement within South Korea, potentially inspiring other workers to advocate for their rights and conditions.
This ongoing strike casts a spotlight on the essential relationship between corporate success and employee compensation. The hope is that successful negotiations can pave the way for improved worker treatment across industries, fostering a culture of collaboration and respect in the workplace.