The Nationwide Samsung Electronics Union initiated a strike on June 7, 2024, involving 28,000 members, nearly a quarter of the company’s South Korean workforce. Despite no disruptions reported by Samsung, the action comes amidst unresolved pay and bonus discussions during a challenging period for the memory chipmaker.
A labor union at Samsung Electronics in South Korea initiated the company’s first-ever strike on June 7, 2024. The Nationwide Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), comprising 28,000 members, called for the walkout following unresolved discussions over pay and bonuses. This membership constitutes nearly a quarter of Samsung Electronics’ workforce in South Korea.
The union encouraged members to use their annual leave on Friday, which was strategically placed between a public holiday and the weekend. Son Woomok, a union leader, indicated that many workers utilized their leave, with some sites requiring replacement personnel.
Despite the strike, Samsung stated that there was no disruption to production or management activities. The strike aligns with a challenging period for the world’s leading memory chipmaker, which has faced declining demand due to the economic impact of the pandemic. However, the company remains optimistic about future growth, driven by advancements in AI technology and new product releases.
Samsung recently reported a significant increase in first-quarter operating profit, reflecting high demand for AI and high-end chips. South Korea’s chip manufacturing, a key industry alongside Taiwan, aims to enhance its global competitiveness against larger market players.
