Production at Sriperumbudur factory remains uninterrupted, says Samsung amid escalating labour strike

This dispute follows a similar strike in September 2024, when over 1,000 workers walked off the job demanding higher wages, improved working conditions, and recognition of the then-unregistered SIWU. (File photo)

Samsung on February 18 said that production of consumer durable products at its factory near Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadur remains unaffected, with most of its full-time and contractual workers continuing to report for work.

Addressing the ongoing labour strike at its Sriperumbudur plant in Chennai, the company emphasized its compliance with all applicable laws and confirmed that official complaints have been filed against certain employees who violated company policies.

"A section of our workers is engaged in an illegal strike within the Chennai factory premises, while most of our dedicated workers continue to ensure that production remains uninterrupted,” a Samsung spokesperson told Moneycontrol.

A company source acknowledged that production initially dipped when the protest began but has since returned to normal. “Samsung has sufficient employees to maintain smooth operations across product lines, including contractual workers,” the source added.

The Sriperumbudur factory, which employs around 1,800 workers, manufactures televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, and compressors. The facility contributed one-fifth of Samsung’s $12 billion India sales in 2022-23.

The strike began on February 5, involving over 500 workers staging a sit-in protest against suspending three office bearers of the Samsung India Workers’ Union (SIWU), affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). Several mediation efforts led by Tamil Nadu labour officials have failed to resolve the standoff, prompting a conciliation meeting between the management and workers scheduled for February 19.

On February 17, striking workers and their family members staged a hunger strike in Sunguvarchatram, Sriperumbudur, demanding the reinstatement of the suspended employees. The labour unrest is expected to escalate further, potentially spreading to nearby industrial hubs, as CITU has announced additional protests on February 20 and 21.

This dispute follows a similar strike in September 2024, when over 1,000 workers walked off the job demanding higher wages, improved working conditions, and recognition of the then-unregistered SIWU. That strike concluded on October 16 after multiple negotiations involving Tamil Nadu government officials and ministers, with workers resuming duties the following day.