Chennai

Samsung employees have entered their fourth week of protests, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. Tamil Nadu ministers T. R. B. Rajaa, T. M. Anbarasan, and C. V. Ganeshan met with the striking workers at the Samsung plant in Kancheepuram to discuss their demands. Five rounds of negotiations led by the Tamil Nadu Labour Department have not resulted in any agreement.

The workers are calling for wage increases, shorter work hours, and the recognition of the CPI-M-affiliated trade union CITU at the plant, which generates nearly one-third of Samsung’s revenue in India. Recently, 900 employees were arrested for blocking roads during the protest, which started on September 9. They are also seeking recognition for the Samsung India Workers Union, connected to CITU.

A Tamil Nadu government official confirmed that discussions between the ministers and the striking workers are ongoing to resolve the issue. The protests at Samsung may impact Tamil Nadu’s efforts to attract future investments from major companies. CITU Tamil Nadu state president A. Soundararajan stated that the workers will continue their protests until their demands are met. Samsung representatives mentioned that the company follows Indian laws and pays above government wage standards.