Samsung Electronics’ largest workers’ union in South Korea announced on Tuesday that it would initiate a four-day strike starting Thursday, aimed at pressuring the company for higher wages and bonuses after negotiations with management failed in July.

Lee Hyun-kuk, vice president of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), emphasized the strategic intent behind the strike during a live YouTube broadcast, stating, “This strike is strategically designed to damage the company.” The union, representing 36,500 members, accounts for about 30% of Samsung Electronics’ workforce in South Korea. Lee indicated that the timing of the strike coincides with a national holiday, which may limit the company’s ability to deploy backup office workers to support production lines.

In response, Samsung Electronics issued a statement asserting that it would “ensure there are no production disruptions” and adhere to a “no-work, no-pay” policy, while continuing efforts to resume negotiations with the union.

The union had initially declared an indefinite strike in July, but members returned to work in early August after negotiations with management broke down. Despite this, the union remains committed to advocating for better pay and benefits, signaling the possibility of further unexpected strikes.

Samsung Electronics reported in late July that the strike held earlier that month did not disrupt production, but the ongoing labor tensions suggest that the situation remains fluid.

(Adapted from ChannelNewsAsia.com)

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