Samsung India workers protest as talks fail, denied entry at Sriperumbudur plant

A large number of Samsung India workers, who were on a protest for a month, were denied entry at the Sriperumbudur factory this morning. They wanted to be reinstated instead of the casual workers and apprentices working inside. The workers marched for a small distance and gathered at the factory but were not allowed entry.

This comes a day after talks to end the month-long strike by 1,200+ workers of Samsung India’s Sriperumbudur factory failed on Thursday evening.

Officials and workers belonging to the Samsung India Thozhilalargam Sangam, backed by the Centre for Indian Trade Union (CITU), were engaged in the presence of the labour department officials.

At the talks, company officials said they would take disciplinary action against the 23 suspended workers who were involved in ‘indiscipline’ activities inside the factory. The company also said that salary would be cut for such employees for eight days. It also wanted an undertaking letter from all the workers on strike. However, union representatives declined to accept the company’s demands and urged the company to revoke the workers’ suspension and allow them to work at the factory. Samsung has stated disciplinary actions will be taken against 23 suspended.

“Despite our best efforts to arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement through constructive dialogue, the union continues to make unreasonable demands and is changing its position constantly, leading to an impasse in the negotiations. We uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal acts within the workplace and are committed to maintaining a safe and productive environment for all,” said a Samsung India spokesperson.”