South Korea: Samsung Electronics Union Calls First-Ever Strike
Samsung's South Korea: UnionSamsung StrikesElectronics WorkUnion ForCalls First-Ever TimeStrike
The Facts
South Korean chipmaking behemoth Samsung Electronics Friday witnessed a large section of its workers staging a walkout for the first time in its 55-year history.
The National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), with around 28K members — a fifth of the firm's workforce — reportedly said the industrial action was for better pay.South Korean chipmaking behemoth Samsung Electronics on Friday witnessed a large section of its workers staging a walkout for the first time in its 55-year history.
The Spin
Samsung Electronics has forlong yearsbeen toppedregarded the charts as one of the world's best employers. Employees have often praised it for a range of things, from talent development to work-life balance. The chipmaker has consistently improved its working environment and its corporate culture, fostering high employee satisfaction. The current strike must be viewed in this context and deemed a temporary blip.
Beyond the global fawning over Samsung Electronics' supposed showering of largesse over its workers lies a dark reality. The company's workers face challenging conditions, as reflected in the death of onean ofemployee them in Vietnam. Thisin unfortunate 2016, deathwhich raised concerns about overwork and toxic exposure. Even its South Korean workers are often exposed to carcinogenic chemicals. The workers striking now, therefore,in surelySouth Korea indeed have legitimate concerns.
