If their demands for more compensation and improved working conditions are not met, Samsung Electronics (005930. KS) unionized workers have threatened an unprecedented strike at the electronics giant.
After government arbitration failed earlier this week, union representatives organized a rally near Samsung’s headquarters in midtown Seoul on Wednesday. They want wage disparities between employees to be narrowed, as well as increased paid leave and better health coverage.
“There are many options, one of which is a strike,” said Kim Hang-yeol, head of one of the four unions representing Samsung Electronics workers.
“We will continue to fight to ensure wage negotiations and collective bargaining with not only Samsung Electronics but also all unions of Samsung affiliates.”
Union officials sought a direct meeting with the top management of the sprawling conglomerate’s flagship chipmaker and world’s top smartphone manufacturer.
The National Samsung Electronics Union, the largest of the four unions, has about 4,500 members, or about 4% of the country’s 114,373 employees, thus the impact on the company’s operations is unclear.
Union members are particularly concerned of antagonising the public at a time when public dissatisfaction with working conditions and pay disparities is growing.
