The union representing 30,000 South Korean Samsung workers said it would prolong its strike indefinitely due to management’s refusal to negotiate.
The National Samsung Electronics Union made the announcement Tuesday.
“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,” the union said in a statement.
The strike began Monday, with plans for workers to return to their positions Thursday. According to the union, about 6,500 employees have joined picket lines across the country.
While the union claims that the strike has hurt production, Samsung’s automated production lines and the relatively low turnout for the NSEU mean the company’s bottom line likely hasn’t been significantly affected.
“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 said in a statement.
The strike could pick up steam and become an issue for Samsung, which is trying to catch up with the rest of the chip-producing industry. Last month, the union staged the first-ever walkout at Samsung, and about 3,000 workers attended a protest Monday.
The workers are demanding more annual time off and an introduction of performance-based bonuses to the rank and file.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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