Samsung workers' protest enters 10th day; Union urges Tamil Nadu government to intervene

Samsung workers' protest enters 10th day

The protest by Samsung workers entered its 10th day on September 18, disrupting production at the South Korean company. Union members have urged the Tamil Nadu government to step in and resolve the labour issues.

Workers at Samsung’s Sriperumbudur unit, near Chennai, have been protesting since September 9, demanding better wages, reduced working hours, and Union recognition. The standoff between the company and its employees appears to be undermining Tamil Nadu's efforts to promote itself as an industry-friendly destination.

Also, read: Police detain 100 protesting workers, union leaders of Samsung's Chennai plant: Report

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s recent two-week visit to the US led to agreements being signed with 18 companies for investments, totalling Rs 7,516 crore. Ford Motor Company has expressed interest to restart manufacturing in Tamil Nadu. However, the ongoing protest could hamper these efforts.

The protest is being organised by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and supported by the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Notably, CPI(M) and the state’s governing party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), are alliance partners.

Samsung’s facility, established in 2007, manufactures appliances, such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. Of its 1,800 workers, the union claims that around 1,500 are currently on strike.

Also, read: Samsung India strike puts spotlight on powerful Indian labour group

E Muthukumar, Kancheepuram district secretary of CITU, told Moneycontrol: “We formed the Samsung India Workers’ Union (SIWU), but the company is not willing to either recognise or negotiate with us. Instead, they formed a parallel workers' committee and stated that they will only talk with them. But a majority of workers are with us.”

He also said that while the labour department has held discussions, the company remains unyielding.

“In fact, the company management is putting pressure on our members to join their committee. The management is disregarding labour rights and the rule of law. We have held several rounds of discussions with the labour minister and government officials. Government intervention is crucial now, but officials are asking us to withdraw our demands and resolve the matter. How can we do this when the management is harassing our members for participating in the strike?" said Muthukumar.

CITU Tamil Nadu Deputy General Secretary Kannan told Moneycontrol, "Protests will continue. The government must resolve this strike. Currently, wages range between Rs 18,000 and Rs 45,000, but only five employees get Rs 45,000. We have submitted our list of demands. We have been holding talks with the labour department, but the Samsung management is not cooperating."

Also, read: Samsung India workers ramp up wage protests as strike enters third day

Retired IAS officer MG Devasahayam said that many multinational corporations treat workers poorly.

“Company-labour relations are strained. While governments create investment-friendly environments by providing cheap land, water, electricity, and tax concessions, these companies reap large profits but give little to workers, treating them as mere labourers. Companies should treat workers as partners. If we aim to boost manufacturing, workers must be provided with a conducive environment,” he said.

Devasahayam said these MNCs are using the unemployment crisis in the country as an opportunity to exploit workers. "In fact, many MSMEs have shut down due to the poor implementation of demonetisation and GST. There are hardly any jobs. MNCs are cashing in on the situation and exploiting workers."

Samsung workers in South Korea also staged protests in July 2024, demanding fair wage revisions. A Samsung spokesperson stated earlier this week that the company “actively engages with our workers to address any grievances they may have and complies with all laws and regulations. We will also ensure that there is no disruption to our consumers.”

Tamil Nadu accounts for about 33 percent of India’s electronics exports.  While Tamil Nadu is wooing global firms for investment, it faces criticism from workers for not addressing wage revisions and work-life balance concerns.

In April 2023, the state passed an amendment to the Factories Act, 1948, increasing daily work hours from eight to twelve, under pressure from multinational corporations. However, the implementation of this Act has been put on hold due to union protests.

Tamil Nadu has also witnessed several worker protests, including at the Ashok Leyland manufacturing plant in Hosur in 2021, and at the Foxconn facility, where workers protested following incidents of food poisoning. In the same year, Ford India workers protested the closure of their factory, while in 2022, JBM Auto System Private Limited at Oragadam faced similar protests. In 2023, workers at the South Korean-based Lotte Choco Pie factory staged a protest that lasted over 50 days.

Also, read: Workers strike at Samsung India plant enters day 2, production to be hit