Talks Break Down as Workers' Strike at Samsung India's Chennai Facility Continues

Talks between Samsung India and striking workers at its Sriperumbudur unit in Tamil Nadu fell through.

The strike began on February 5th, after management took disciplinary action against three employees. E Muthukumar, president of the Samsung India Workers' Union (SIWU) and CITU Kancheepuram district secretary, stated that the CITU will intensify its strike beginning Thursday.

The union promised to physically lock the factory gates on February 21, preventing the entry of "illegal contract" workers. Workers from industrial parks including RNS SIPCOT, Vallam Vadagal, Irungattukottai, and Mambakkam are planning protests in support of Samsung's labor force.

"Samsung remains committed to resolving any issues through direct engagement with our employees." We do not condone illegal actions taken by certain employees that endanger industrial peace and workplace safety. All employees must follow company policies, and those who do not will face disciplinary action after due legal process. "Our top priority is to keep the workplace safe and stable for all employees," the company stated.

While the workers want the suspension orders issued to three employees lifted, the company refuses. The Sriperumbudur unit, which manufactures refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines, accounts for a significant portion of the South Korean giant's $12 billion revenue in India.

Since February 5, 600 SIWU members have been on strike inside the Samsung India Electronics facility. The suspension of three union leaders served as a flashpoint. A management source claimed that the disciplinary action was prompted by a group of employees attempting to force a meeting with a senior executive at the unit.

Sriperumbudur, a traditional automobile and electronics manufacturing hub, has previously experienced labour unrest. The current dispute follows a 37-day strike last year, which disrupted Samsung's production.