Samsung India Workers Intensify Wage Protests as Strike Enters Third Day
2 Sources
2 Sources
[1]
Samsung India workers ramp up wage protests as strike enters Day 3
Hundreds of workers at Samsung Electronics' southern India plant boycotted work for a third day on Wednesday to demand better wages and working conditions, disrupting output at a consumer electronics facility key for the global tech giant. The plant, which makes products such as televisions, refrigerators and washing machines, contributes between 20% and 30% of Samsung's annual $12 billion revenue in India, sources have previously told Reuters. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The workers want Samsung to recognise their union, as well as increase their wages and improve their working hours. Samsung Southwest Asia CEO, JB Park, and other senior executives have travelled to the factory to try and resolve the protests. "We will stand together and secure a win," employees chanted together outside the factory, which is one of Samsung's two plants in India and is located in Sriperumbudur near the city of Chennai. Many workers wearing Samsung's blue-colour uniform shirt were seen sitting inside a makeshift tent outside the factory. South Korea-based Samsung, which is India's biggest consumer electronics company, did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Samsung India said on Monday that it actively engaged with workers "to address any grievances they may have and comply with all laws and regulations". More From This Section InMobi raises $100 mn debt financing from MARS Growth Capital: CEO Tewari SC to hear plea related to insolvency proceedings against Byju's on Sept 17 Delhi HC blocks Italian firm Amuleti's use of Amul trademark in key ruling L&T joins semiconductor race, to create chip firm and invest over $300 mn FlexiLoans secures Rs 290 crore from global, domestic investors So far, there has been no labour unrest at the other Samsung India plan in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, which makes smartphones. Also Read Samsung's 8-layer HBM3E chips clear Nvidia's tests for use in AI processors Samsung chief Lee discusses cooperation with Meta, Amazon & Qualcomm CEOs Samsung's HBM chips failing Nvidia tests due to heat, power problems US awards Samsung $6.4 bn in grants to boost Texas chip production US govt to award Samsung up to $6.6 bn chip subsidy for Texas expansion
[2]
Samsung India workers' strike in Chennai enters third day
The strike by workers of Samsung India at Sunguwarchatiram, near Chennai, entered the third day on Wednesday. The striking workers are demanding wage revision and the right to form a union. Production has been significantly affected, the workers claimed. This is the first ever strike at the 16-year-old plant, which manufactures a range of consumer durables, including air-conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines. Talks between the workers and the management on Tuesday evening failed to end the impasse as the management refused to yield to the workers' demand. "We have put forth 33 demands to the management," a representative of the workers said. On Wednesday morning, over 400 workers assembled at a temporary shed about a kilometre from the plant. Also read Samsung India launches AI Double Door Refrigerator range Korean firms eye Indian stock market listings amid lower valuations LG Electronics weighs India IPO to help chase $75 billion goal Also read: Samsung Electronics workers announce 'indefinite' strike over pay demands in South Korea Meanwhile, another round of talks with the management is expected on Friday evening. Unionisation attempt Striking under the banner of Samsung India Workers Union - CITU, the workers said the plant's 1,700 employees are paid less than other industrial workers. "For 16 years, these workers have been without a registered union, but the management's attitude, prudishness, abusive practices and workload have prompted the workers to form a union," says a strike notice. The notice further alleges that since the formation of the union and its application for registration, the management has resorted to various forms of repression, including threats of dismissal of elected officials, and withholding transfers within the company. The integrity of the labour department itself has been questioned, the notice says. Some workers remain isolated in dimly lit rooms all day, which is a gross violation of human rights and amounts to torture, the notice said. Workers claimed the company has deployed hundreds of casual labourers and apprenticeships to keep the factory running. The production is just around 25 per cent, they said. They further claimed that the management has formed a 'Samsung Workers Welfare Federation' and is urging them to sign up, but they have turned it down. SHARE Copy linkEmailFacebookTwitterTelegramLinkedInWhatsAppRedditPublished on September 11, 2024
Share
Share
Copy Link
Samsung India's manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu faces ongoing labor unrest as workers continue their strike for the third day, demanding better wages and working conditions.
Workers' Strike at Samsung India Plant Continues
The labor unrest at Samsung India's manufacturing plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, has entered its third day as workers intensify their protests over wage-related issues. The strike, which began on September 9, 2023, has seen participation from approximately 1,500 employees, significantly impacting the facility's operations
1
.Demands and Grievances
The striking workers are primarily demanding wage revisions and improvements in working conditions. Key issues include:
- Wage disparity between permanent and contract workers
- Lack of substantial wage increases since 2021
- Concerns over working hours and conditions
Union representatives have stated that despite multiple attempts to engage in dialogue with the management, their grievances have not been adequately addressed
2
.Impact on Production
The ongoing strike has led to a significant disruption in the plant's operations. The Sriperumbudur facility, which manufactures smartphones and other electronic devices, has seen a substantial reduction in production output. This could potentially affect Samsung's supply chain and market presence in India if the dispute remains unresolved
1
.Management's Response
Samsung India's management has expressed concerns over the strike's impact on production and has called for a resolution through dialogue. The company has stated that it is committed to fair labor practices and is open to discussions with worker representatives to address their concerns
2
.Related Stories
Government Intervention
As the strike continues, there are calls for government intervention to mediate the dispute. Labor unions have urged the Tamil Nadu state government to step in and facilitate negotiations between the workers and Samsung management. The state labor department is reportedly monitoring the situation closely
1
.Broader Implications
This labor dispute at Samsung India's plant highlights the ongoing challenges in the electronics manufacturing sector in India. It raises questions about labor practices, wage structures, and the need for better communication between management and workers in multinational companies operating in the country
2
.As the strike enters its third day, both parties are under increasing pressure to find a resolution. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for labor relations in India's growing electronics manufacturing industry.
References
Summarized by
Navi
[1]
[2]
Related Stories
Weekly Highlights
1
Anthropic Secures $13B in Funding, Reaching $183B Valuation Amid AI Industry Boom
Business and Economy
2
Tesla Proposes $1 Trillion Pay Package for Elon Musk Tied to Ambitious AI and Robotics Goals
Business and Economy
3
Anthropic's $1.5B AI Copyright Settlement: A Landmark Deal Under Scrutiny
Policy and Regulation
Weekly Highlights
Explore today's top stories
Your Daily Dose of Curated AI News
Don’t drown in AI news. We cut through the noise - filtering, ranking and summarizing the most important AI news, breakthroughs and research daily. Spend less time searching for the latest in AI and get straight to action.
