Around 500 workers at Samsung India’s Sriperumbudur plant, near Chennai, are staging a sit-in strike to protest the suspension of three union members. They allege the company is pressuring them to join a management-backed committee, which they believe is an attempt to weaken their union. The Samsung India Employees Union (SIEU), supported by CITU, claims these actions aim to dismantle their organization.
Samsung India denies the allegations, stating the suspensions were due to policy violations that disrupted workplace harmony. The company has expressed willingness to participate in government-mediated talks, though the Labour Department has yet to intervene.
Union Alleges Anti-Union Tactics Amid Wage Dispute History
SIEU leadership claims the suspensions are the latest in a series of tensions that began after the union was registered under the Trade Unions Act and following wage negotiations in 2024.
“The management is using intimidation tactics,” alleges E. Muthukumar, president of SIEU. Workers say they have been pressured to leave the union and join the company-backed committee, allegedly under threats of job insecurity.
An anonymous employee told reporters that management directly approached workers, urging them to resign from the union. “They say it’s for our own good, but we know it’s meant to weaken our collective bargaining power,” the worker stated. Protesters have vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met.
Backdrop of Samsung’s Manufacturing in Sriperumbudur
Samsung’s Sriperumbudur plant is a key manufacturing hub, producing consumer electronics like refrigerators and washing machines. The facility has faced labor disputes in the past over wages and working conditions, and this strike is the latest in an ongoing struggle between workers and management.
Samsung Denies Allegations, Cites Policy Violations
Samsung India refutes SIEU’s claims, asserting that the suspensions resulted from workplace policy violations. A company spokesperson stated:
“Samsung maintains a zero-tolerance approach toward actions that disrupt a respectful work environment. We are committed to ensuring a fair, safe, and productive workplace for all employees.”
The company has filed a formal complaint with authorities and is pursuing disciplinary action following its internal investigation. It has also reiterated its openness to government-facilitated discussions to resolve the dispute.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we support fair labor practices and workers’ rights to peaceful assembly. Companies should engage in transparent dialogue with employees, ensuring they can organize and voice concerns without fear of reprisal. Allegations of anti-union tactics raise serious concerns about fairness and workplace harmony.
How can Samsung India and its employees foster mutual understanding and respect to achieve a fair resolution?
