Samsung has been in wage negotiations since January
Tens of thousands of workers at Samsung Electronics in South Korea staged the first labor strike in the company’s 55-year history on Friday, seeking improved pay.
Renowned for its smartphones and high-end memory chips crucial for generative AI, Samsung has been in wage negotiations since January.
What happened?
The Nationwide Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) halted operations for a day due to failed negotiations on pay and bonuses for its 28,000 members, about a quarter of the company’s workforce.
Lee Hyun Kuk, vice president of the NSEU, criticized the company’s disregard for the union’s negotiating role.
The recent protests underscore employee discontent despite a 5.1% wage increase this year.
The union action comes as the electronics giant endeavors to reclaim its dominance in the memory chip market.