Unionized Workers at Samsung Electronics End Historic Strike

Unionized Workers at Samsung Electronics End Strike

Thousands of unionized employees at Samsung Electronics in South Korea, who initiated an indefinite strike last month, returned to their posts on Monday after unsuccessful negotiations with the multinational tech giant. This strike marked a historic moment, as it was the first organized labor action in Samsung’s extensive history, which spans decades and positions it as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of computer chips.

Approximately 6,500 striking workers participated in the protest, a number that represents only a small fraction of the union’s membership and an even smaller percentage of Samsung’s overall workforce. According to Lee Hyun Kuk, the vice president of the Nationwide Samsung Electronics Union, most of the striking employees resumed work by Monday.

For several months, union representatives and company executives were unable to reach a consensus regarding critical issues such as wages, bonuses, and vacation entitlements for the workers. Previously, in June, union members conducted a one-day strike as a precursor before escalating to the indefinite walkout that began in July. Throughout the labor dispute, Samsung maintained that the strikes would not significantly disrupt its operations, a claim reiterated by the company last week.

However, the financial strain of a prolonged, unpaid strike took its toll on the employees, ultimately leading union leaders to issue a back-to-work order last week. While the union has a strike fund totaling approximately 80 million won (around $60,000), it has not publicly disclosed whether any of these funds were utilized during the strike.

“After 25 days of striking, we have not achieved any tangible results,” stated Son Woo-mok, the union president, during a meeting with members on Thursday. “As the union leader, I feel a deep sense of responsibility for not delivering any outcomes for those who have participated in the strike while enduring financial hardships.”

The union, which boasts over 31,000 members, has plans to implement guerrilla strikes, also known as blitz walkouts, though they have not specified the frequency or number of such actions. “This is not a defeat; rather, it is a strategic shift in our approach,” Mr. Son emphasized.

In a bid to capture the attention of company leadership, union representatives held a press conference last week outside the residence of Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong in Seoul, urging him to take decisive action regarding their demands. Meanwhile, Mr. Lee was in Paris, attending meetings with other business leaders connected to the ongoing Olympics.

Despite the labor unrest, Samsung proceeded with the scheduled launch of its latest electronic devices last month, which included the much-anticipated Galaxy Fold 6 smartphone and new smartwatches. The electronics division of the conglomerate employs approximately 260,000 individuals worldwide.