Unionized workers at South Korean tech giant Samsung have voted in favor of a strike, international media reports. The move threatens the already strained chip market, where Samsung is a key player.
93 percent of nearly 90,000 unionized employees voted for the strike. If an agreement isn’t reached, an 18-day strike is expected to begin on May 21.
“We will do our best to conclude wage negotiations in 2026 amicably,” Samsung said, according to Reuters.
A strike is looming at Samsung, as a vast majority of its unionized workforce in South Korea has voted to authorize industrial action. The potential disruption comes at a critical time for the global semiconductor industry, where Samsung plays a pivotal role in supply.
According to reports, 93% of the nearly 90,000 union members approved the strike plan. Unless a resolution is reached with management, the walkout is scheduled to begin on May 21 and last for 18 days. The decision underscores the growing labor tensions within the South Korean tech sector.
The union is seeking higher wages and the elimination of a bonus cap. Samsung stated, “We will do our best to conclude wage negotiations in 2026 amicably,” as reported by Reuters. The company’s statement suggests a willingness to continue discussions and avert a full-scale strike.
The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched by investors and industry analysts, as any significant disruption to Samsung’s production could exacerbate existing supply chain challenges, particularly in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence market which relies heavily on advanced semiconductors.
