Labor disputes escalate, Samsung Electronics National Union launches its first strike in 55 years of history
On June 7th, Samsung Electronics National Union (NSEU) launched the first strike in Samsung Electronics' 55 year history. Due to the unresolved salary deadlock, both sides have stopped all negotiations. This unprecedented action coincides with the 31st anniversary of the announcement of the "New Management" by the late Chairman Li Jianxi, and at this critical moment, reshapes the company's philosophy and global perspective.
This strike involves collective leave for all union members, marking a significant escalation of ongoing labor disputes. NSEU is the largest union within Samsung Electronics, representing approximately 28400 members, accounting for 23% of the company's total of 124800 employees. The union had previously held a press conference on May 29th, announcing their intention to escalate to a general strike as the management failed to propose any agenda during the negotiations.
Since the strike on May 29th, the union has been parking a bus with a banner in front of the Samsung office building. Recently, workers have been participating in protests intermittently outside the company's office in Seoul and its chip production base in Huacheng, southern Seoul. The Samsung Electronics National Union stated that the action on June 7th will affect all factories across South Korea. However, union leaders have stated that no gatherings have been arranged at the moment.
They stated that they are unable to count the number of workers participating in the one-day strike as they are not obligated to report to the union. In addition, some non union employees are also on long weekends, which makes it more difficult to determine the scale of the strike.
The strike coincides with the transitional holiday after South Korea's Memorial Day, aimed at minimizing short-term production interruptions. They plan to resume normal working hours next week. However, people are increasingly concerned about the long-term impact of strikes, including shutdowns and damage to the Samsung brand.
Lee Hyun kuk, Deputy Secretary General of Samsung Electronics National Union, said, "But if the management of (Samsung Electronics) refuses to communicate, we plan to carry out a follow-up strike. We do not rule out the possibility of a full-scale strike."
Since the strike on May 29th, the union has been parking a bus with a banner in front of the Samsung office building. Recently, workers have been participating in protests intermittently outside the company's office in Seoul and its chip production base in Huacheng, southern Seoul. The Samsung Electronics National Union stated that the action on June 7th will affect all factories across South Korea. However, union leaders have stated that no gatherings have been arranged at the moment.
They stated that they are unable to count the number of workers participating in the one-day strike as they are not obligated to report to the union. In addition, some non union employees are also on long weekends, which makes it more difficult to determine the scale of the strike.
The strike coincides with the transitional holiday after South Korea's Memorial Day, aimed at minimizing short-term production interruptions. They plan to resume normal working hours next week. However, people are increasingly concerned about the long-term impact of strikes, including shutdowns and damage to the Samsung brand.
Lee Hyun kuk, Deputy Secretary General of Samsung Electronics National Union, said, "But if the management of (Samsung Electronics) refuses to communicate, we plan to carry out a follow-up strike. We do not rule out the possibility of a full-scale strike."