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10mo ago

Samsung Faces Legal Battle Amid Massive Worker Strike in India

Samsung Electronics has sued a newly-formed labor union as over 1,500 workers strike for better wages and conditions at its Chennai plant.

Security personnel stand guard at Samsung India's plant in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai on September 11, 2024, as workers stage a protest to demand higher wages and recognition of their union.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by RAGUL KRUSHAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock (14724285a) Indian workers of Samsung India Electronics participate in a strike in Chennai, Tamil Nadu India, 17 September 2024. Nearly 100 workers of Samsung India, along with Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) leader E Muthu Kumar, President of the Samsung India Workers Union, were arrested on 16 September morning but were let off in the evening as Samsung employees' protest enters ninth day demanding better wages and improved working conditions. Samsung employees in India protest demanding better wages, Chennai - 17 Sep 2024

Overview

  • The strike, ongoing for 11 days, involves around 1,500 workers demanding Samsung recognize the Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU).
  • Workers are protesting for a 50% wage increase over three years, better working conditions, and the right to collective bargaining.
  • Samsung's Chennai plant, which produces home appliances, contributes about $4 billion to the company's annual $12 billion revenue in India.
  • The company has filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to prevent union activities, claiming they disrupt factory operations and endanger safety.
  • The strike comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi promotes India as a manufacturing hub, challenging multinational corporations on labor practices.