Samsung workers demand greater slice of profits from AI boom

Thousands of Samsung Electronics' workers have staged a rally to demand a greater slice of profits from the boom in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

The South Korean company's computer chip facility at Pyeongtaek was disrupted by the mass walkout that saw staff threaten to strike without higher bonus payments.

The union-led protest's organisers accused Samsung of failing to offer adequate compensation despite its strong performance.

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It has rejected the management's proposal for bonuses of restricted stock and called for removing caps on bonuses.

Samsung, which together with rival SK Hynix produces about two-thirds of global memory chips, has forecast a record first quarter operating profit of $38.6bn (£28.6bn).

Holding signs and waving banners, the workers shouted a series of slogans including "make compensation transparent and remove maximum limits on bonuses".

One banner contained nicknames for executives and mocked them over their attitudes towards workers' rights.

The chief complaint is that rewards at SK Hynix are far higher, with workers claiming that Samsung had lost many workers to the lure of better pay at its main rival.

Union officials estimated that 40,000 of its 72,000 members participated in the demonstration.

They have threatened to stage an 18-day walkout starting on 21 May if negotiations with management fail.

One union leader told workers and reporters: "We won't stop this fight until our fair demands are met."

Chipmakers have enjoyed years of strong demand due to the surge in AI-related investment across the global economy.

The outlook has been somewhat clouded by the effects of the Middle East war as companies move to cut costs in response to surging energy prices.

The conflict has also disrupted supplies of key materials such as helium and bromine that are crucial to chipmaking.

Samsung has said in response to the staff protest that it remains in dialogue with workers' representatives and that any strikes would be counterproductive.

(c) Sky News 2026: Samsung workers demand greater slice of profits from AI boom