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Samsung faces an 18 day strike as AI boom bonuses spark a split between memory and logic chip workers
Business
Published on 15 May 2026
Memory and logic chip workers are offered wildly different bonuses
Samsung Electronics is bracing for a potential 18-day strike that could disrupt global memory chip supply after more than 45,000 workers demanded more equal AI boom bonus payouts. The company’s proposal favors memory chip employees, offering them at least six times higher bonuses than logic chip workers in system LSI and foundry units. Union leaders warn the pay gap could trigger talent flight and harm Samsung’s push to become a “one-stop” global chip supplier. Investors and government are watching closely.
- More than 45,000 Samsung workers threaten an 18-day strike starting May 21
- Memory chip workers are set to receive at least six times higher bonuses
- Logic chip employees tied to AI chipmaking would get 50% to 100% bonuses
- JPMorgan estimates the strike could cut operating profit by 21 to 31 trillion won
- Sales losses could reach about 4.5 trillion won, raising supply chain risks
- Samsung’s internal structure is blamed for conflicts and employee departures
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times