Samsung employees in South Korea begin three-day strike
Union leaders have criticised the disparity in bonus calculations between executives and regular workers.
On 8 July, thousands of Samsung Electronics employees, represented by the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), began a three-day strike to advocate for higher wages, more annual leave, and changes to the bonus system.
The NSEU, representing almost a quarter of Samsung’s employees in South Korea, calls for an extra day of annual leave for union members and revisions to the bonus system to ensure equity and transparency. Union leaders have also criticised the disparity in bonus calculations between executives and regular workers. Despite Samsung offering flexible terms on pay and leave, these proposals need to meet the union’s demands for higher compensation and additional benefits.
The strike, primarily targeting manufacturing and product development, involves workers overseeing automated production, which could affect operations despite Samsung’s claims of no disruptions. ‘Our objective is to disrupt production,’ stated union leader Son Woo-mok.
Why does this matter?
With increased scrutiny on working conditions and benefits, the resolution of Samsung’s labour dispute may establish a benchmark for labour actions in the global tech sector, potentially shaping how companies handle employee grievances.
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