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Samsung Union Holds 40,000-Strong Rally in Pyeongtaek Ahead of Planned 18-Day Strike
Thousands of Samsung Electronics workers rallied outside a factory in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on April 23, 2026, protesting a cap on performance bonuses. Union organizers estimated 40,000 participants in what they described as the largest demonstration to date. Workers plan an 18-day strike starting May 21 if demands are unmet.
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PYEONGTAEK, South Korea – Members of the Samsung Electronics labour union held a mass rally outside the company's foundry and semiconductor factory in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on April 23, 2026. Union organizers estimated the number of protesters at the rally at 40,000, making the demonstration the largest to date for Samsung. ' during the rally.
Samsung workers plan to strike for 18 days starting from May 21, 2026, if their demands are not met, according to Japan Times reporting. The rally occurred at a sprawling factory complex south of Seoul, where workers vented anger over compensation levels ahead of the planned strike that could disrupt artificial intelligence chip production.
Japan Times reported that such a strike could delay shipments to customers, push up chip prices further and benefit rivals.
Samsung workers walked out for the first time in 2024, marking a shift for the company long known for its approach to unions.
