Samsung's striking employees return to work as union shifts to long-term strategy

By Candice Kim Posted : August 2, 2024, 12:09 Updated : August 2, 2024, 12:09
Samsung Electronics union members hold a press conference outside Chairman Lee Jae-yong's residence in Yongsan, Seoul, on August 1, 2024, following failed wage negotiations with the company. Yonhap
 
SEOUL, August 2 (AJU PRESS) — Unionized workers at Samsung Electronics are returning to work after a 25-day full strike, shifting to a long-term strategy that includes surprise partial stoppages to press their demands.

The National Samsung Electronics Labor Union (NSELU) launched the walkout on July 8, demanding higher pay, improved bonus systems and other benefits.

On Thursday afternoon, the union announced a transition to a long-term strategy and instructed members to resume work by Monday.

“We need to shift to a strategy that reduces the economic burden on union members while continuing to pressure management,” the union said. 

The union will continue with guerrilla-style strikes and work-to-rule protests, it added.

This decision came one day after a three-day negotiation with management ended without an agreement on Wednesday. 

On Thursday, the union held a press conference outside Chairman Lee Jae-yong's residence in Seoul, urging him to propose measures to resolve the dispute.

The prolonged strike has resulted in significant wage losses for participating members, estimated at 4-5 million won ($2,933-$3,667) per person, depending on their position.

NSELU is the largest of the five labor unions at the company. The group announced it is scheduled to merge with another union, consisting of office staff, on Monday.

As of Thursday, NSELU had 36,341 members, representing about 29 percent of Samsung Electronics' total workforce.

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