Unionized workers of Samsung Electronics Co. stage a rally in front of the company’s office in southern Seoul on May 24, 2024. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 7 (Korea Bizwire) – Unionized workers of Samsung Electronics Co. are set to stage a three-day general strike this week as their negotiations with the management over wages and working conditions fell through.
The National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), the biggest labor union with 28,000 members, announced plans for the Monday-Wednesday strike last week, saying the aim is to disrupt production.
The number accounts for approximately 22 percent of Samsung Electronics’ total workforce of about 125,000. The actual number of union workers participating in the strike remains uncertain, and the likelihood of major production disruptions could be low.
During the three days, the unionized workers plan to hold rallies outside the entrance of the company’s facility in Hwaseong, 45 kilometers south of Seoul, among other strike activities.
Since January, the two sides have held several rounds of talks, but have been unable to narrow their differences over the wage increase rate, vacation system and bonuses.
The union has demanded a one-day vacation for all employees and a significant salary raise for the 855 members who did not sign the 2024 salary negotiation agreement.
Also, the union demanded the company offer more paid leave and compensate for economic losses incurred during unpaid strikes.
In June, unionized workers at Samsung Electronics went on a one-day strike, marking the first labor walkout at the company.
The NSEU said the company refused to accept any of its demands in the two-week adjustment period that began June 13, and that unless progress is made in negotiations during this week’s strike, it will stage another strike for five days starting July 15.
(Yonhap)
