The Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU) has announced plans to intensify its protest with a massive strike on March 7, following the suspension of three Samsung workers who also serve as office bearers of the union. The protest, which has been ongoing for nearly 15 days, saw an attempted resolution facilitated by the Tamil Nadu Labour Department on Wednesday, February 19. However, conciliatory talks between SIWU and Samsung management ended without a resolution.
The strike is being led by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
A Tamil Nadu Labour Department official told IANS that at least three rounds of conciliation talks have taken place since January 31. However, the situation escalated further after fresh protests erupted over the workers’ suspensions. Family members of the affected employees joined the demonstrations at the Bazaar Area of Sunguvarchatram.
Since February 5, over 500 workers have been participating in a sit-in protest within the factory premises, refusing to leave for nearly two weeks. Samsung has designated a specific area for the strike, but workers claim they have been provided access to only three toilets. Moreover, if a worker leaves the premises due to medical reasons or to visit family, their access cards are blocked, preventing their return, they allege.
Meanwhile, Samsung management has labelled the strike as “illegal” but maintains that the protesting workers have access to food and toilet facilities despite their absence from work since February 5.
In a statement, Samsung alleged that around 300 workers attempted to forcefully enter management offices on the second floor, prompting disciplinary action.
CITU has accused Samsung of hiring contract workers and unlawfully involving them in production activities. According to E. Muthukumar, CITU’s Kancheepuram district secretary, around 200 contract workers have been recruited despite regulations stipulating that contract staff should only assist on assembly lines and not engage directly in production.
Samsung, however, refutes this claim, asserting that production is primarily maintained by rotating permanent staff. While they acknowledge using external help, they insist it is minimal and compliant with legal norms.
A senior Labour Department official stated that efforts are underway to provide both parties with alternative solutions to resolve the conflict amicably. However, with tensions mounting, SIWU remains firm on its decision to escalate the protest if their demands are not met.
(With IANS inputs)