Samsung employees hold protest for 3rd straight day against suspension of workers in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Trouble is brewing at the Samsung India’s factory in Sunguvarchatiram near here yet again with workers continuing with their sit-in protest for the third consecutive day on Friday against the suspension of three employees.

E Muthukumar, President of the recently-recognised Samsung India Workers’ Union (SIWU), told DH that the protest will continue till the management revokes the suspension of the employees.

The latest trouble at the Sunguvarchatiram factory, which was hit by over a month-long protests by employees in September-October 2024, began after Samsung India placed three employees under suspension “without any valid reason.”

“The workers didn’t do anything wrong. They were suspended by their higher authorities for their involvement in forming the union. This is unacceptable and the management should immediately revoke their suspension,” Muthukumar said. “The workers won’t stop their protest till their demands are met,” he added.

The development comes even as the Tamil Nadu Labour Department appealed to the workers to withdraw their protest and the management to reconsider the action on employees. However, no solution was arrived at and the next meeting is scheduled for February 12.

The Tamil Nadu government recognised SIWU in the last week of January after sitting on the application for seven months. The non-registration and non-recognition of the Union led to a massive protests by the employees that hit national headlines.

When sought for a reaction, a spokesperson for Samsung India said the company does not condone any unlawful actions by employees that disrupt the industrial peace at the workplace. 

 “The company has filed official complaints with the relevant authorities against certain workers who have violated this policy. They will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action following a formal enquiry and have been suspended to protect the work environment and other workers,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson maintained that the legitimate measure was taken in accordance with all applicable Indian laws and despite the illegal action by some, most of the workers remain dedicated in ensuring that normal business operations continue.  

“We continue to make efforts towards a collective agreement with our workers to resolve the issues and for this we remain open to a dialogue facilitated by the government. We have not forced any worker to either join the worker committee or leave the union. Claims by the union contrary to the above are false and misleading,” the spokesperson added. 

After tripartite talks, the protest, which began on September 9, was called off on October 15 following assurances by Samsung that it won’t act against employees who protested against the management.