Samsung Electronics Union Members Stage Three-Day Strike, Demand Wage Hike and Incentives

The National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) made history on Monday as they initiated a three-day strike, marking the first strike by unionized workers in Samsung Electronics’ 55-year history. The strike, which took place at the company’s Hwaseong Campus in Gyeonggi Province, saw approximately 4,000 unionized workers rallying for a wage hike and higher incentives.

The NSEU reported that over 6,500 members expressed their intention to participate in the strike, with a significant number of workers from various divisions joining in. Despite market expectations that the strike may not cause significant disruptions due to automation in manufacturing lines, the union emphasized that disruptions are anticipated.

The union’s demands include a higher wage increase rate for all members, fulfillment of promises regarding paid leave, and improvements to incentive criteria. With negotiations at a standstill, the union has warned of additional walkouts unless management responds to their demands.

With around 30,000 members, the NSEU represents 24 percent of all Samsung employees, with a majority working in the device solutions division, which manufactures semiconductors. The strike highlights the growing tensions between labor and management in one of South Korea’s largest companies.

As the strike continues, it remains to be seen how Samsung Electronics will respond to the union’s demands and how this historic strike will impact the company’s operations. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.