Samsung Electronics Faces Indefinite Strike In South Korea Over Wage Demands

The unionised workers at Samsung Electronics have initiated an indefinite strike in an effort to compel South Korea’s largest company to heed their demands for increased wages and other benefits.

Workers affiliated with the National Samsung Electronics Union began a temporary, three-day strike on Monday to advocate for higher wages and improved benefits from South Korea's largest company.

However, on Wednesday, the union announced an indefinite strike, citing management's alleged unwillingness to participate in negotiations.

“Samsung Electronics will ensure no disruptions occur in the production lines,” a Samsung statement said. “The company remains committed to engaging in good faith negotiations with the union.”

However, according to a statement published on its website, the union indicated that it has initiated unspecified disruptions on the company’s production lines, aiming to compel management to eventually enter into negotiations should the strikes persist.

Samsung Electronics’ total workforce is estimated at about 267,860 globally. About 120,000 of them are in South Korea.