Workers at tech giant Samsung Electronics in South Korea initiated the first strike at the company on Friday, marking a historic moment in the nation’s labour landscape, revealed the head of a major union representing tens of thousands of employees.
Samsung Electronics, renowned as one of the world’s leading smartphone manufacturers and a key player in high-end memory chip production crucial for generative AI, has been embroiled in negotiations with the union over wages since January, with no significant progress made.
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Son Woo-mok, head of the National Samsung Electronics Union, confirmed the commencement of the strike, indicating widespread employee participation through the use of paid leave. He noted a noticeable difference in workplace attendance compared to regular days.
In response, Samsung Electronics stated its commitment to ongoing negotiations with the union, assuring no disruption to production or business activities. The company emphasized that the strike coincided with a planned holiday period, minimizing the impact on operations.
While the strike may not directly affect semiconductor production, as it involves headquarters employees rather than frontline workers, its significance is not lost. Vladimir Tikhonov, professor of Korean Studies at the University of Oslo, underscored its historical importance, symbolizing a shift towards labour empowerment in South Korea.
Samsung’s resistance to unionization for decades, coupled with its stature as a global tech leader, lends weight to this collective action. Despite past opposition to unions, the company faces evolving attitudes towards labour rights, reflecting broader societal changes.
The strike, while historic, aims to address longstanding grievances and advocate for fair treatment of workers. As negotiations continue, both parties strive to find common ground, ensuring a balance between employee welfare and business interests in South Korea’s tech powerhouse.
