Samsung Electronics has called on the union to go on indefinite strike
At the South Korean technology company Samsung Electronics, the union has called for an indefinite strike over higher wages, increasing pressure on management. The management showed "no willingness to talk" the National Samsung Electronics Union announced on Wednesday as an explanation. The strike began on Monday and was supposed to last only three days. It could have consequences for Samsung's important chip production.
Since January, Samsung management and the union have been in negotiations, but they have not been able to bridge their differences. Employees are demanding at least a 5.6% wage increase, improvements in annual leave, and more transparency in performance-based bonuses. In June, there was a one-day strike for the first time in the company's history. Previously, the company had successfully resisted any labor organization of its employees for decades.
On Monday, the initially three-day strike began. Over 5000 employees participated, demonstrating loudly on the streets of Hwaseong and Yongin, south of Seoul, where Samsung factories are located, for their demands. The union has more than 30,000 members, which is over a fifth of Samsung's workforce.
The National Samsung Electronics Union's indefinite strike, initiated over higher wages, is putting additional strain on the company's management. Despite ongoing negotiations since January, the trade union and Samsung management have yet to resolve their dispute regarding wage increases, improved annual leave, and clearer performance-based bonuses. This current strike follows a precedent set in June with a one-day strike, a first in Samsung's history.
