Samsung faces fresh labour agitation as CITU plans protest over dismissal of 25 union workers at Tamil Nadu factory

Samsung faces fresh labour agitation as CITU plans protest over dismissal of 25 union workers at Tamil Nadu factory

Months after a high-profile strike at Samsung’s Sriperumbudur factory was called off, fresh tensions are flaring. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) is set to stage a protest on July 17 against what it calls the illegal dismissal of 25 employees from Samsung’s Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu.

The demonstration, backed by the Samsung India Workers’ Union (SIWU), will be led by its president, E. Muthukumaran, and is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

“Samsung management, withdraw the dismissal orders against 25 trade union executives! Return the illegal salary deductions! District administration, intervene against Samsung management for violating Indian laws!," read a protest pamphlet released by CITU. Senior CITU leaders, including former MP T.K. Rangarajan and former MLA A. Soundararasan, are also expected to participate, adding political heft to the agitation.

The union has accused Samsung of violating labour rights by terminating workers without following due process.

"Samsung is committed to a respectful and harmonious workplace and has zero tolerance for any illegal activities that disrupt industrial peace. In line with this policy, certain workers in the Chennai factory had been suspended, pending enquiry, to protect the work environment. We remain focused on fostering a safe and respectful environment for all our workers," a company spokesperson said.

Samsung, in an earlier statement issued in February, had said that employees involved in what it termed “illegal acts”, including unauthorised gatherings, intimidation of colleagues, and trespassing, would face strict disciplinary action regardless of union affiliations.

“Our global code of conduct stipulates that the company has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of behaviour that goes against maintaining a professional and respectful workplace environment,” Samsung said in a February 5 statement. “The employees in question violated this company policy and have been suspended temporarily, and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action following a formal enquiry.”

In March, Samsung agreed to reinstate protesting workers to end the month-long strike but clarified that suspended workers would still undergo disciplinary proceedings.

With no reinstatement yet for the 25 suspended employees, the CITU is now mobilising fresh action.

The strike, which began on February 5, 2025, involved over 1,000 workers protesting the suspension of union members. The Sriperumbudur plant, which employs nearly 1,800 people, manufactures consumer electronics and contributed around 20% of Samsung India’s $12 billion in revenue for FY23.