Samsung Electronics Workers' Union Declares Four-Day Strike

The largest workers' union at Samsung Electronics in South Korea has announced a four-day strike starting Thursday. This is in protest of failed wage and bonus negotiations. The union, representing 36,500 members, aims to impact production during an overlapping national holiday. Samsung pledges no disruption to operations.

The largest workers' union at Samsung Electronics in South Korea announced a four-day strike starting Thursday. The strike aims to pressure the company over higher wages and bonuses after talks with management fell through in July.

Lee Hyun-kuk, vice president of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), stated in a live YouTube broadcast: "This strike is strategically designed to damage the company." The union represents 36,500 members, making up about 30% of Samsung Electronics' South Korean workforce. Many workers are expected to be away for a national holiday, potentially impacting production lines.

Samsung said in a statement: "The company plans to ensure there are no production disruptions and adheres to the no-work, no-pay principles, while we continue our effort to resume talks with the union." The union had declared an indefinite strike in July but asked members to return to work in early August after negotiations broke down. The union plans more unexpected strikes if demands for better pay and benefits are not met.