By Reeturaj - Oct 18, 2024
Samsung Electronics' factory workers in Chennai, India ended their month-long labor strike after the company agreed to address demands for better pay, improved working conditions, and recognition of their union, SILWU. While Samsung didn't recognize the union, it pledged to engage with workers on key issues. Labour activist E Muthukumar confirmed the strike's end after a meeting with Samsung management. The resolution aims to improve working conditions and labor relations at the factory.
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The workers at Samsung Electronics' factory in Chennai, India, have ended their labor strike, which lasted over a month, after the company agreed to engage in discussions regarding their demands. The strike, involving around 1,500 workers, began on September 9 and was one of the largest faced by the South Korean technology giant in recent years. The workers, represented by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (Citu), sought better pay, improved working facilities, and recognition of their newly formed union, the Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU). Although Samsung has not recognized the union, it has agreed to address the other demands.
E Muthukumar, a labor activist supporting the workers, confirmed that the strike was called off following a meeting between Citu representatives and Samsung management. "We have decided to call off the protest as Samsung management has agreed to engage with workers on key demands," he stated. Tamil Nadu's Minister for Industries, TRB Rajaa, announced that the striking workers would return to work immediately, with Samsung agreeing not to victimize participants. Samsung released a statement welcoming Citu's decision to end the strike, committing to work closely with workers to improve the Chennai factory's working conditions.
The factory, employing nearly 2,000 workers, produces home appliances contributing significantly to Samsung's $12 billion annual revenue in India. Labour rights activist Akriti Bhatia highlighted that multinational companies often sidestep Indian labor laws, which allow workers the right to association and collective bargaining, by setting up internal unions controlled by management. The strike's resolution comes as a relief to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to position India as a viable alternative to China for manufacturing activities. The strike's impact on Samsung's operations and India's manufacturing reputation could have been significant.
The strike began on September 9, with workers demanding better pay, facilities, and union recognition. Samsung agreed to engage in discussions but has not recognized the union. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (Citu) led the protests. Tamil Nadu's labour department facilitated talks between workers and management.
Apple supplier factory workers in Tamil Nadu staged a one-day strike earlier this year, seeking union recognition. Labour rights activists criticize multinational companies for circumventing Indian labour laws. The resolution of the Samsung strike marks a significant development in India's labour landscape, highlighting the ongoing tensions between workers and multinational corporations.