By modupe Atoyeje
The union representing workers at South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics has called on its roughly 30,000 members to go on an indefinite strike, as part of its campaign for better pay and benef.
The announcement came on the last day of a three-day general strike by the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU).
The union said the labour union resolved to embark on the strike after management showed no intention of holding talks over its demands.
The National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) said that its 31,000 members — representing a nearly quarter of the company’s total workforce in the country — would launch an indefinite strike from July 10 — the largest labor action in the smartphone and chipmaking giant’s 55-year history said its actions had disrupted production although the company has disputed these claims.
“Samsung Electronics will ensure no disruptions occur in the production lines. The company remains committed to engaging in good faith negotiations with the union,” Samsung told BBC News.
The workers want this optimism reflected in their pay. “The company is not treating the employees properly,” said Woomok on Monday.
“Even though the operating profit is high, the company has been saying it’s in a crisis situation for over 10 years, and employees are increasingly dissatisfied with the lack of performance bonus increases,” he added.
The Union on their part said, “The company has no intention to engage in a dialogue, even after the first general strike, thus we declare a second general strike starting from July 10th, lasting indefinitely.”