As the strike by Samsung Electronics' union intensifies, reactions are emerging on online communities urging investors to sell their Samsung shares and switch to SK Hynix. The ongoing labor dispute amid a booming semiconductor market is affecting investor sentiment.
On May 13, industry sources reported that the National Samsung Electronics Labor Union (Jeonsamno), the largest union at Samsung, announced it would continue its strike without further negotiations with management.
The union stated, "There will be no additional discussions until the strike ends," with estimates suggesting participation could reach at least 50,000 members. Concerns are rising in the industry about potential disruptions in semiconductor production.
The controversy has gained traction in online communities. One Samsung employee posted on the anonymous workplace forum 'Blind,' urging others to sell their Samsung shares and switch to SK Hynix.
The employee, identified as A, claimed, "It's no longer about a 10% or 15% issue," adding, "The atmosphere has become so hostile that the staff is in a mode of reduced productivity." A further stated, "Unless Chairman Lee Jae-yong directly intervenes and compensates at a level above SK Hynix, we have crossed the river of no return."
A also expressed a bleak outlook for Samsung investments, saying, "That will never happen. Run away."
In response to A's post, netizens commented, "Isn't it more profitable to cut them and pay severance than to give bonuses?" and "There are no irreplaceable employees; they seem unaware they are cutting their own livelihoods." Others added, "If you don't want to work, just quit; there are plenty of people waiting to take your place," and "If we give in now, we will have to keep giving in."
Meanwhile, as SK Hynix shows strength in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market amid a recovery in the semiconductor sector, Samsung faces growing concerns over labor disputes and its foundry competitiveness, leading to a shift in investor sentiment.
With the possibility of a prolonged strike by the Samsung union, discussions continue online regarding the company's corporate culture, bonus system, and management responses. As the gap between Samsung and the union remains wide, attention is focused on the potential impact on semiconductor production and investment sentiment.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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