Samsung Electronics union threatens three-day strike next week

By Candice Kim Posted : July 2, 2024, 15:41 Updated : July 2, 2024, 15:41
This file photo shows members of the National Samsung Electronics Labor Union during a protest rally outside the company's headquarters in southern Seoul. Yonhap
 
SEOUL, July 2 (AJU PRESS) - Samsung Electronics' largest labor union has threatened to go on a three-day full-fledged strike next week, demanding higher wages for some workers.

The National Samsung Electronics Labor Union (NSELU), representing about 22 percent of Samsung's 125,000 employees, declared the strike on Monday evening following failed negotiations with management.

The union will walk out from Monday to Wednesday, demanding higher wage increases for 855 members who didn't sign the 2024 salary agreement, under which the company proposed an average 5.1 percent wage hike.

They are also demanding higher incentives for excess profits and compensation for economic losses due to the strike.

The union said they could extend the action if their demands are not met.

This strike follows their collective leave on June 7, the first-ever industrial action in the tech giant’s 55-year history, which had little impact on operations.

Industry observers expect the second action to draw limited participation and cause minimal production disruption.

Critics note that their demands for higher pay raises for a specific group may lack broader representation.

The current action comes as the union’s status as the representative bargaining group expires in August, potentially pressuring it to reach an agreement.

Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.