Kanchipuram
A strike by Samsung workers affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) continued at the Sriperumbudur plant on Wednesday, entering its 31st day. A heavy police presence was reported at the site as clashes occurred between the police and protesters. Many workers were detained when they were asked to leave certain areas. CITU State President A. Soundararajan and a union leader were among those detained.
Soundararajan warned of potential political consequences if management did not meet the workers’ demands. He stated that political support had increased as the protest continued. The Tamil Nadu government urged workers to return to their jobs for the welfare of others.
Samsung announced on Monday that a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) had been reached with employees to resolve the protest. However, CITU leaders claimed that the MoA was signed with workers who were not part of the strike. The key demand for recognition of the Samsung India Workers’ Union (SIWU) was not accepted, and the strike will continue.
The MoA states that the company will consult with the workmen committee to enhance wage competitiveness. An interim special incentive of Rs 5,000 per month will be provided from October 2024 to March 2025. The strike began on September 9, 2024, with around 1,000 of the 1,800 workers participating. The Sriperumbudur facility has operated since 2007, producing various consumer electronics.
