Samsung Electronics unionized workers have launched an indefinite strike in South Korea, intensifying their demands for better wages and work conditions.
The National Samsung Electronics Union made the decision on Wednesday, July 9.
It followed a three-day walkout that failed to bring management to the negotiating table.
The 30,000-member union, representing nearly a quarter of Samsung’s workforce, reported that around 6,500 workers have been on strike nationwide since Monday, July 7.
Despite the strike, Samsung, the world’s largest maker of memory chips and smartphones, has not reported any immediate disruptions to production.
The company said: “Samsung Electronics will ensure no disruptions occur in the production lines.
“The company remains committed to engaging in good faith negotiations with the union.”
The union said management’s refusal to negotiate led to an “indefinite general strike.”
They believe prolonged industrial action will eventually force management to negotiate as assembly lines begin to feel the impact.
Union members were advised not to return to work until the union reversed its decision.
Samsung’s management and union leaders have been intermittently negotiating wages since January but have yet to reach an agreement.
The union demands an additional day of leave to commemorate its foundation.
It also seeks a 3.5 percent average wage increase for all members and changes to what they describe as an unfair bonus pay system.
