In a significant Labor dispute, around 1,500 workers at Samsung Electronics’ manufacturing facility
in Tamil Nadu have been on strike for 11 consecutive days, severely disrupting production lines and
drawing attention to ongoing Labor issues within the electronics sector.
For the past 11 days, about 1,500 workers of South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics
have been striking work in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, leading to major disruptions in
production.
Labor disputes in such manufacturing hubs can influence the timelines of deliveries and the
availability of products globally, given that companies like Samsung rely heavily on these factories to
meet international demand. Depending on the response from management and negotiations with
the workers, the strike could either escalate or resolve, impacting Samsung’s operations in India and
potentially its overall production schedule.
Workers’ Demands and Struggles
Samsung workers, who earn an average of ₹25,000 ($298) per month, are seeking a staggered 50%
wage increase over the next three years, citing rising living costs that their current salaries can no
longer cover. Additionally, employees are calling for better working conditions, as they claim they are
being forced to complete tasks, such as assembling refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions,
within tight timeframes (10–15 seconds per product), while working for hours without breaks. These
demands highlight both financial strain and the physical toll the workers face in their daily routines
Furthermore, many employees have voiced concerns about unsafe work environments. Union
representatives from the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) allege that the workers are pressured
to leave the new union by management, with reports suggesting that threats have been made
against workers’ families.
The Samsung Chennai plant’s striking workers’ demand the following: Union recognition: Workers are
demanding formal recognition of the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU). Better wages: The
workers are pushing for an increase in their wages.
Unionization Struggles and Labor Law Concerns
One of the key issues fueling the protests is the right to unionize. While Samsung traditionally
avoided allowing unions within its workforce, recent years have seen a shift. In response to global
scrutiny following legal challenges against the company’s leadership, unionization became a
possibility. However, in India, workers have faced significant resistance from Samsung’s management
when attempting to form external, politically-backed unions. Labor economist Shyam Sundar points
out that multinational companies often encourage “worker-led” internal unions, ensuring
management retains some influence over union activities. This strategy prevents external unions
from gaining ground, thus limiting workers’ bargaining power.
Efforts for Resolution
Tamil Nadu’s Labor Welfare Minister, CV Ganesan, has assured the workers that their demands are
being taken seriously and that discussions are underway to address their grievances. He has
promised that their wage-related concerns will be fulfilled, although details on the timeline for
negotiations remain unclear
Despite the government’s intervention, the protest continues, with workers maintaining their daily
demonstrations. Many gather early in the morning and protest for hours under makeshift tents,
underscoring their resolve to push for meaningful changes. Union leaders have arranged provisions
for the workers, offering food and water at the protest site, but the absence of basic amenities such
as washrooms highlights the workers’ difficult conditions during the ongoing strike.
Global Context and Samsung’s Challenges
This protest is not an isolated incident for Samsung. Earlier in 2024, workers at Samsung’s South
Korean plants also went on strike, demanding better wages and working conditions. These incidents
reflect a broader trend of labor unrest within the company, as workers across different countries
push for fair treatment and compensation
In South Korea, the 36,500 members of Samsung Electronics’ biggest worker union who have been
demanding higher wages and benefits.
CITU
The protest is also driven by Samsung’s refusal to recognize their union, which is backed by the
Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). Workers allege that management is pressuring them to
abandon union activities, and there have even been reports of threats to their families. The workers
have been on strike for over a week, disrupting production at one of Samsung’s key manufacturing
hubs in India, which contributes significantly to the company’s revenue.
Local authorities, including Tamil Nadu’s Labor Welfare Minister, have assured workers that efforts
are underway to address their demands, but tensions remain high as the protests continue.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how Samsung will navigate these labor disputes while
maintaining its production goals, and whether it can strike a balance between worker rights and
corporate interests
