The RAM shortage could get worse if Samsung worker protests reduce production

The RAM shortage caused by demand from AI data centers is already driving up prices Phones, PS5 devicesand Raspberry PieBut it might be about to get worse. Samsung is facing employee protests over more competitive pay demands with rival chipmaker SK Hynix, including removing Samsung’s cap on bonus pay, allocating more money to bonuses, and raising base salaries. according to AP NewsAn estimated 40,000 union members attended a rally Thursday outside Samsung’s chip manufacturing facility in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.

If the union and management cannot reach an agreement, the union plans an 18-day strike starting May 21. As reported ReutersSamsung’s foundry and memory chip production fell “by 58% and 18%, respectively, during Thursday’s night shift, as unionized workers attended a protest demanding higher wages.”

Samsung is currently the largest in the world Dirham and nand memory The company, with SK Hynix behind it in both markets. A RAM shortage is already expected It continues until 2030And he is Raising the prices of SSD drives Also now – the 4TB version of the popular Samsung 990 Pro SSD costs almost $1,000 now when it used to cost around $320.

according to Reuters“More than 70 percent of Samsung’s workforce in South Korea” are union members, including more than 90,000 employees.