The technology market trembled until the very end. Return to the giant

The planned strike at Samsung was suspended after a preliminary wage agreement was concluded between the trade union and the management of the South Korean company. The protest was to start on Thursday and last from May 21 to June 7.

The decision is of great importance not only for the company itself, but also for the global market of new technologies. Samsung is one of the key producers of components used in artificial intelligence systems, data centers and consumer electronics.

The strike at Samsung could have hit the AI ​​market

According to previous announcements, 48,000 people were to take part in the 18-day strike. employees. This would be the largest action of this type in Samsung’s history. Its effect may have been to limit the production of elements necessary for the AI ​​industry.

Samsung is the world’s largest manufacturer of memory chips. It accounts for about a third of global DRAM production, used in phones, laptops and servers, among others. The company also produces one-fifth of HBM memory, key to artificial intelligence systems.

Samsung employees will vote on the contract

The preliminary wage agreement is to be put to a vote by union members on May 23-28. Until then, the general strike will remain suspended “until further notice.”

As reported by Yonhap agency, the contract provides for salary increases of 6.2%. and a special allowance related to revenues from the sale of integrated circuits.

Samsung avoided losses amounting to billions

South Korean Minister of Labor Kim Jong Hun participated in the negotiations between the union and the company’s authorities. After the talks, he said that the agreement was possible thanks to concessions from both sides.

The office of South Korean President Li Jae Mung also expressed satisfaction. The company and trade unionists were thanked for the decision made “for the good of the nation and the country.”

Semiconductors crucial for South Korea

The importance of the agreement goes beyond the interests of the company itself. Semiconductors are responsible for approximately 35%. South Korea’s exports, and demand for them is growing with the development of artificial intelligence.

According to local media, the 18-day strike could bring losses of up to 100 trillion won, or $67 billion. Suspending the protest means postponing the risk of serious disruptions in one of the most important sectors of the global economy.