HWASEONG - Samsung Electronics Co. unionized workers have escalated their labor dispute by declaring an indefinite general strike, marking the most significant labor action in the company's 55-year history.
According to Yonhap News Agency, The National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), representing a substantial portion of the workforce at the world's largest memory chipmaker, initiated this extended strike after the company failed to engage in dialogue during a previously planned three-day strike. Originally, a five-day strike was scheduled to begin on July 15, but the union opted for an indefinite action. The NSEU reports that over 6,000 members, primarily from the semiconductor division, have joined the strike, demanding better wages, improved vacation policies, and compensation for losses incurred during previous unpaid strikes. Despite the strike, Samsung Electronics has reported no significant disruptions to production. Negotiations between the company and the union have been ongoing since January, with little progress made on reconciling differences regarding wage increases and additional benefits.