Samsung Workers in Chennai Vow to Persist with Protests Amidst Rising Tensions

Over 1,000 Samsung workers in Chennai have been striking since September 9 for wage hikes and union recognition. CITU Tamil Nadu Secretary Muthukumar warns that efforts to restrict protests may lead the workers to seek judicial intervention.

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Tamil Nadu Secretary, Muthukumar, announced that workers would resort to court intervention should the police prevent their protests against Samsung. Over 1,000 Samsung employees have been striking since September 9 for wage hikes, union recognition, and an eight-hour workday.

If police prevent the protests, "we will take this matter to court and get our rights," Muthukumar stated. Despite three rounds of negotiations with Samsung management, no resolution has been achieved. When employees attempted to march to the collector's office, police detained them, according to CITU.

Muthukumar highlighted that Samsung has requested a court order to move protestors 500 meters away from their factory, even though they are already protesting two kilometers away. He accused Samsung of claiming that strikers were misleading active employees. Trade unions vow to continue the protest until all demands are met, including better wages and improved working conditions.

The CITU secretary previously revealed that Samsung management had urged workers to dissolve the union and obstructed its recognition through various complaints. Hundreds of striking employees, donning company uniforms, sit outside the plant in protest.

Muthukumar asserted that management had forced employees into overtime, reaching up to 11 hours, even after the union decided to cease voluntary overtime. Despite failed negotiations at the state labour department and with the labour minister, workers remain steadfast. On Monday, protestors were detained in Kanchipuram but released later in the evening, though charges were pressed against more than 100 employees.

(With inputs from agencies.)