Samsung Workers' Strike in Chennai: Company Highlights Higher Salary Amid Protests

Samsung Electronics workers in Chennai are striking over wages and working conditions. The company claims its workers earn 1.8 times more than the regional average. Talks have failed, and tensions rise as protests continue, with the union demanding better conditions and acknowledgment.

As the strike by employees of Samsung Electronics in Chennai persists, the company asserted on Tuesday that it is offering salaries 1.8 times higher than the average wage of manufacturing workers in the area. "At Samsung India, the welfare of our workers is our top priority. The average monthly salary of our full-time manufacturing workers at the Chennai plant is 1.8 times higher than that of similar workers employed by other companies in the region," the company stated.

The company further expressed its willingness to engage with workers to address their concerns. "Our workers are also eligible for overtime pay and other allowances. We provide a workplace environment that ensures the highest standards of health, safety, and welfare. We reiterate that we are ready to engage with our workers to address their grievances so they can return to work at the earliest," it added.

More than 1,000 Samsung workers have been striking near the factory since September 9, demanding the fulfillment of 20 key demands, including a wage hike, union recognition, and an 8-hour workday. Previously, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Tamil Nadu State Secretary stated that Samsung management had filed a case in the Kanchipuram court requesting that protestors be seated 500 meters away from the premises, even though they were already situated two kilometers away.

Muthukumar remarked, "The Samsung management has initiated a case in the Kanchipuram court stating we should sit 500 meters away from their premises, but we are nearly two kilometers away. They have accused us of brainwashing employees who continue to work." The trade unions have announced that the protests will continue until their demands are met.

The CITU Tamil Nadu Secretary also mentioned earlier that the management had asked workers to disband the union and was blocking union recognition by raising various complaints. The workers, led by union head Muthukumar, are demanding better wages and working conditions. Hundreds of striking Samsung employees, dressed in their company uniforms, have been sitting outside the plant.

Muthukumar added, "Our demands have not been met, and management has urged us to disband the union. They are hindering the recognition of the union by raising complaints. When the union decided to stop overtime, the management forced employees to work overtime for up to 11 hours." The first and second rounds of talks with the state labor department and labor minister at the Secretariat have failed. On Monday, protesters were detained after entering Kanchipuram but were released later in the evening. A case was filed against more than 100 employees. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)