Samsung Union Workers Go on Indefinite Strike

Samsung union workers have gone on an indefinite strike. The union disagrees on pay and working policies as its dispute with management continues.

The New York Times reports that over 6,000 workers left the job on July 8. Their strike was to last three days. However, after no response from the company, workers decided to strike indefinitely. “As the strike goes on, the management’s blood will dry out and they will eventually come to the negotiating table on their knees,” the union said in a statement.

However, Avril Wu, a senior research vice president at market research firm TrendForce, believes the ongoing strike will only partially impact production. Wu said the “high level of automation in the factories and the low actual need for manual labor” reflects that. She added, “Our research team has consulted with buyers and sellers in the memory market, and neither side is particularly concerned about this issue now.”

Samsung Electronics workers announce 'indefinite' strike https://t.co/0um0cuQJfh

— The Associated Press (@AP) July 10, 2024

The Associated Press reprinted a statement from the electronics giant regarding the situation. It reads, “Samsung Electronics will ensure no disruptions occur in the production lines. The company remains committed to engaging in good faith negotiations with the union.”

According to The Guardian, National Samsung Electronics Union Vice President Lee Hyun-Kuk said that members are calling for a 3.5% raise in base salary and a day off to commemorate the union’s founding. He revealed that management previously offered a 3% rise in base salary, but the union is requesting an extra 0.5% for inflation.

Rounds of talks were held between union members and management in January 2024. However, both sides failed to reach an agreement. Therefore, some union members used their time off to hold a one-day strike in June of this year, the first labor strike in the company’s history.

The union shared guidelines for workers, which included the following instructions. “Don’t get tired. No going to work until executive instructions are given. *No work on holidays, no overtime. Prohibition of prior submission of strike status, submission after settlement.”