For the first time in history of the South Korean hi-tech giant, a trade union of the workers of Samsung Electronics, which represents 20% of the company's workforce (around 28.000 employees), proclaimed one strike. The union accused management of "negligence towards workers". This is a historic protest precisely because it is the first ever within this reality.
Samsung, the demands of the unions
Le salary negotiations between Samsung management and the union, which began in January, I'm still at a standstill. According to the union president, Naionwide Samsung Electronics Union (Nseu) Son Woo-mok, workers have accepted the proposed wage increase, but are also demanding a additional public holiday and a transparent system to measure profit-based performance bonuses.
The decision to strike came during a crisis period for Samsung Electronics, which has posted consistent losses over the past four quarters. In the negotiations, the company proposed a salary increase of 5,74%, while the union asked for 8%. The company then offered a 2,5% base salary increase.
Samsung, accusations of corporate interference
The labor organization also accused the management of “icorporate management in the peaceful struggle we have waged so far." The National Labor Relations Commission, linked to the Ministry of Labor, attempted to mediate wage negotiations between Samsung and the union, but was unsuccessful.
Until four years ago, Samsung prohibited trade union organisation among employees. The ban was canceled after some managers were convicted of hindering workers' organisation, thus allowing employees to call a strike.
Samsung, because the strike is "historic"
Samsung Electronics is not only one of South Korea's largest and most influential companies, it is also the flagship of the Samsung Group, the largest of the family conglomerates that dominate the country's economy. An event of this magnitude is not only an internal matter for the company, but could also have repercussions on the national economy and the image of the group globally.
South Korea is known for its unique work dynamics, where large family businesses, known as chaebol, have a significant influence on the economy and society. The Samsung Electronics strike could trigger a change in the country's industrial relations, encouraging other unions to take stronger positions in their negotiations.
