After previous labour disputes, tensions rise again in Samsung’s Sriperumbudur plant as around 500 workers at Samsung’s Tamil Nadu plant protest suspensions of colleagues, while contract workers step in.
On Wednesday, approximately 500 workers at Samsung’s Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu initiated a sit-in protest following the suspension of three employees, according to Reuters sources. To maintain operations, Samsung has deployed contract workers to ensure production continues without major disruptions.
This protest is the second significant labour dispute at the plant in under six months. The facility, which manufactures refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines, accounts for a fifth of Samsung’s $12 billion sales in India for 2022-23 and employs around 1800 staff.
Samsung responded that most of the workers are engaged in everyday business operations and production has not been heavily impacted, with contract workers stepping in. However, the Samsung India Workers’ Union has disputed this claim, alleging that the refrigerator manufacturing unit has faced some disruptions.
The strike that took place at the same plant last year was when workers campaigned for better wages and union recognition. It lasted for five weeks and ended in October after the company agreed to address their concerns.
Union leader A. Soundararajan said the protest would continue as the suspended workers were penalised without being allowed to explain their actions. He also mentioned that discussions with the Tamil Nadu government are underway. However, the state government has yet to make a statement on the matter.
Samsung clarified that the suspended employees would face disciplinary action after a formal enquiry. The company also affirmed that the suspensions were made to ensure a safe work environment for other employees. The company maintained its willingness to dialogue with the government to resolve the dispute.
The protest, led by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), has gained traction, with union officials announcing plans to escalate the demonstration. Around 50 CITU supporters held a protest near the plant on Saturday, demanding the reinstatement of the suspended employees and criticising both Samsung and local authorities for their lack of action.
A CITU leader called Kumar condemned the district administration for failing to intervene. So far, no meetings have been held with labour department officials or local authorities to resolve the dispute.
