Samsung Electronics is facing an unprecedented strike from its largest union, the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU). This strike, scheduled to last for one day, is a significant escalation in the union’s ongoing efforts to secure better wages and working conditions. Despite Samsung’s announcement of a 5.1% wage increase, the union demands additional benefits, including an extra day of leave and a more transparent bonus evaluation process (SamMobile) (Benzinga).
This strike marks a historical moment as it is the first in Samsung’s 55-year history. The NSEU, which represents about 28,400 workers, or over a fifth of Samsung’s South Korean workforce, has grown significantly in recent years. This growth followed Samsung’s pledge to end union-busting activities in 2020, although the union claims there has been no real change in management’s attitude toward negotiations (Engadget).
The union’s core demands center around a fair and transparent method for calculating bonuses, arguing that the current system unfairly disadvantages workers, especially in the semiconductor division, which suffered financial losses last year. The union also highlights broader issues of worker compensation and treatment, contrasting Samsung’s emphasis on shareholder profits with the need to value employee contributions fairly (Benzinga) (Engadget).
Samsung has stated its commitment to engaging in good-faith negotiations and insists that production and management remain unaffected by the strike. However, the union warns of potential future walkouts if their demands are not met (Engadget).
