An Estimated 40,000 Samsung Employees Unite for Upcoming 18-day Strike
In a show of solidarity and determination, tens of thousands of Samsung Electronics workers gathered at the company’s Pyeongtaek campus in South Korea on Thursday to express their readiness for an 18-day strike next month.
The atmosphere was electric as employees from various departments, including production and research, came together to demand better working conditions and a fair share of the company’s profits. The rally, organized by the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), marks the first major protest since the company’s labor union was formed in 2019.
The decision to strike comes after months of failed negotiations with the management over wages and working hours. Despite the ongoing pandemic and its impact on the global economy, Samsung recorded a substantial increase in profits in the first quarter of 2021. However, the workers feel that they have not been duly rewarded for their contributions to the company’s success.
According to the FKTU, the average salary of a Samsung employee has only increased by 1.8% in the last three years, which is well below the country’s average of 3.1%. Moreover, the union claims that the company has not fulfilled its promise to convert temporary workers to full-time positions, leaving many employees without job security and benefits.
The workers are also demanding a reduction in working hours, citing the company’s intense and demanding work culture. Many employees have reported working up to 80 hours of overtime per month, leading to burnout and fatigue. The union has proposed a 52-hour workweek, in line with the country’s labor laws, to promote a healthier work-life balance.
The strike, set to begin on August 23, is expected to cause disruptions in the production of Samsung’s popular products, including smartphones and semiconductors. However, the workers remain steadfast in their determination to fight for their rights and have assured customers that they will do everything in their power to minimize the impact on production.
The rally was attended by prominent labor leaders, who voiced their support for the workers’ cause. In a speech, FKTU president, Kim Dongman, declared that the strike would continue until the company addresses the workers’ demands. He urged the management to listen to the employees and negotiate in good faith, stating that “the success of Samsung is built on the hard work and dedication of its employees, and it is time they are given their due.”
The event also saw the participation of civil society organizations and students showing their solidarity with the workers. This support from the public is crucial in amplifying the workers’ voices and pressuring the company to meet their demands.
Samsung, which is the largest conglomerate in South Korea, has faced criticism in the past for its treatment of workers and anti-union practices. However, the formation of the labor union and the upcoming strike indicate a shift towards a more worker-friendly culture in the company.
The rally ended with a sense of optimism and determination among the workers, who believe that their voices will be heard and their demands will be met. As they chanted slogans and held up banners, it was clear that they are united and ready to fight for their rights. The upcoming 18-day strike is a testament to their strength and resilience, and it remains to be seen if the company will heed their calls for a fairer and more equitable workplace.