Samsung has called on its workers in Tamil Nadu to return to work following protests that have disrupted operations since 9 September. The company reassured employees that no punitive measures would be taken against those who resume duties but warned that continued protests could lead to termination. Around 1,000 employees, part of the Samsung India Workers Union and backed by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), have been on strike, demanding wage revisions and improved working hours.
In a recent statement, Samsung declared the strike illegal and encouraged the resolution of issues through dialogue. The company reported that efforts to engage workers in discussions had gone unanswered. Operations at Samsung’s Sriperumbudur plant, located 45 kilometers from Chennai, have been significantly affected by the ongoing protests.
Samsung emphasised that employees involved in the strike would not receive wages for the days missed since 9 September, in accordance with a "No Work, No Pay" policy. It advised workers who were forced into the strike to contact the human resources department and noted that continued protests would require workers to explain why their salaries should not be deducted for the 11 days of absence.
CITU Sriperumbudur district secretary E. Muthukumar, who is leading the strike, refuted Samsung’s claims regarding readiness for negotiations. He asserted that the strike, which he described as legal, was a response to the management’s failure to address their demands. Muthukumar also called for swift government intervention to resolve the matter.
Samsung’s Sriperumbudur plant, established 16 years ago, produces consumer electronics and employs approximately 1,800 workers. The company reiterated its commitment to worker safety and resolving the issue as soon as possible. In a notice signed by the General Manager, Samsung warned that employees must respond to the company’s request within four days—by September 23—or face possible termination.
Samsung has highlighted its focus on employee safety and well-being, urging a quick return to work while expressing its commitment to resolving the situation through the proper channels and negotiations.
