Unions plan wider strike, double down pressure on Samsung

KANCHEEPURAM: The Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) has decided to double down the pressure on the Samsung Electronics management by beefing up protests, announcing one-day strike in the industrial hub of Kancheepuram and state-wide protests against showrooms selling Samsung consumer durables.

CITU Kancheepuram district functionary E Muthukumar said an one-day industrial strike would be held on March 8 with participation from around 15,000 workers affiliated with CITU and other labour groups from 58 industrial units. He alleged that the state govt is favouring the corporate interests and warned of deepening the protests against the Korean electronics giant if the company did not revoke suspension of employees.

The workers union, Samsung India Thozhilalar Sangam, held protests at an alternative site on Friday, after a section of workers, protesting inside its manufacturing plant since Feb 5, were removed on Thursday after they disrupted the production line. Workers TOI spoke to vowed to continue protests till the company rolls back suspension and uphold their rights.

The CITU on Friday held widespread demonstrations across the industrial parks in Kancheepuram as a show of strength, in which employees of various companies took part.

Samsung earlier said it is compliant with all the laws. Despite the protests, it said that production remains uninterrupted and appealed to the state govt to ensure workers safety and provide ease of doing business.

In a statement, it said, “Samsung remains committed to resolving any issues by directly engaging with our workers. We do not condone illegal activities carried out by certain workers that threaten industrial peace and workplace safety. It is important for all employees to adhere to company policies, and those who violate these policies will be subject to disciplinary action after due legitimate process."


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