(ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – Samsung Electronics Co’s unionised workforce is preparing to initiate a three-day strike starting Monday. However, the anticipated industrial action is not expected to significantly impact production at the tech giant due to the low turnout.
According to industry insiders, the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), which represents the largest union with 29,000 members, will commence the strike with a rally at the entrance of Samsung’s facility in Hwaseong, located 45 kilometres south of Seoul.
The strike is set to continue until Wednesday.
The NSEU reported that around 8,000 members participated in a recent survey regarding the strike, with over 5,000 likely to join the collective action.
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.
The union also demanded the company offer more paid leave and provide compensation for economic losses incurred during unpaid strikes.
The NSEU claimed the company has refused to accept any of its demands in the two-week adjustment period that began June 13, holding the company solely responsible for any business losses incurred by the strike.
The union also warned that it would stage another five-day strike, starting July 15, if no progress is made during this week’s strike.
Insiders, however, believe the strike is unlikely to disrupt production at the world’s largest memory chipmaker, citing the previous one-day collective action on June 7, which had minimal impact.
The NSEU’s members account for approximately 24 per cent of Samsung Electronics’ total workforce of about 125,000.
