Strikes - Largest Samsung union calls for indefinite strike
The largest labor union at Samsung, the market leader in memory chips and smartphones in South Korea, will extend its limited-term strike indefinitely. The National Union of Samsung Electronics Workers (NSEU), which demands higher wages, aims to increase pressure on management with this unlimited strike.
In a statement, the union accused the management of a lack of willingness to negotiate. Therefore, the union called on its members for an unlimited strike. "The company remains determined to hold good-faith negotiations with the union," the statement from Samsung read.
This strike is considered the first full-fledged strike in the 55-year history of the company. Thousands of NSEU members have participated in strike actions since Monday. According to the union, more than 5,000 of them are employed in the semiconductor production sector. The strike was initially planned for three days. The NSEU has approximately 30,000 employees, or nearly 24%, of the total workforce.
3.5% more salary
In its latest statement, the union demands a 3.5% increase in base salary, improvements to the performance bonus system, and compensation for members' economic losses due to the strike. In addition, it wants to establish a one-day special leave in commemoration of the union's founding instead of the current additional day of annual leave.
Samsung initially did not comment on the demands. The company stated that it would ensure that there are no disruptions in production lines. Both parties have been negotiating since January. Samsung has been criticized for anti-union policies for many years. Four years ago, the company's management promised to recognize employees' right to form unions, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, and peacefully assemble.
- The electronics giant, Samsung Electronics, based in South Korea, is currently facing an indefinite strike by its largest labor union, the National Union of Samsung Electronics Workers (NSEU).
- The tariffs imposed on South Korean electronics exports to the United States have not affected Samsung Electronics directly, but the strike action by the NSEU is causing concerns in the city of Seoul.
- Despite the ongoing strike, Samsung's management has remained committed to holding good-faith negotiations with the union, as stated in a recent statement from the company headquarters.
- The electronics industry in South Korea, led by companies like Samsung Electronics, has been under pressure due to increasing labor costs and demands for better working conditions, as demonstrated by the prolonged strike by the NSEU.
