TN: Samsung workers continue strike at Sriperumbudur, demand recognition of union

The workers have alleged that most of the protesters have not agreed to the terms mentioned in the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that the workers’ committee signed with the company.

“The workers have not accepted the terms mentioned in the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that was signed on Monday. This was signed by the workers’ committee, which favours the company. A majority of workers have not agreed to it and continue to strike,” The Hindu quoted E Muthukumar, Kancheepuram district secretary of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) as saying.

Watch: Underpaid, overworked? Why Samsung workers have been on protest

End to logjam, claims govt, Samsung

Over a thousand workers employed at Samsung’s manufacturing plant have been holding the protest since September 9 demanding hike in wages and other benefits. While Samsung has been asserting that it would hold direct talks with workers and not through any unions, the workers have demanded for the recognition of the Samsung India Workers’ Union, backed by CITU.

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday (October 7) claimed that a MoA has been signed between the company and the workmen committee.

"Both parties agreed on collaborative efforts to make the Chennai factory a great place to work. We will engage with workmen directly to address the difficulties faced by them. We will also work with them for the development of the community in Chennai as a responsible company," the company said in an update.

Tamil Nadu Minister TRB Rajaa also took to social media platform X to announce that Samsung has agreed to meet the demands of its employees after an intervention by the state government

"After nearly 12 hours of discussions, we appreciate Samsung's leadership for negotiating in good faith and the employees for their constructive engagement. Many workers expressed their gratitude for management's willingness to listen. The issue of union recognition remains subjudice, and we respect the legal process," he posted.

What the MoA says

He said the Samsung management has agreed to the key demands made by the employees including wage hike and additional benefits and is willing to consider some of the other demands as soon as the rest of the employees return to work.

According to the MoA, the company will increase the wage in consultation with the workmen committee. The company has also assured employees of an interim special incentive called ‘Productivity Stabilisation Incentive’ which is equivalent to Rs 5,000 per month, effective from October 2024 to March 2025.

Govt urges workers to return to work

Several workers, however, have refused to acknowledge the MoA, and have demanded recognition of their trade union.

The government, in turn, has appealed to them to return to work, considering the welfare of their families and colleagues.

"We all know that the issue of union recognition is subjudice. We cannot discuss it now. The government is with you, Chief Minister MK Stalin is with you and considering all these factors, they should return to work immediately," Rajaa said while addressing reporters at the Secretariat.

Also read: 'Get back to work immediately': TN govt urges striking workers of Samsung India

Raja said he met both officials of Samsung India Electronics Limited along with his cabinet colleagues TM Anbarasan and CV Ganesan as well as the protesting workers and CITU functionaries.

He said while speaking to him many of the protesting employees expressed fear of losing their jobs due to the agitation.

Rajaa told the workers that further extending the strike may lead them to lose their salaries, especially ahead of the festive season.

"Most of the workers are newly married and some have just started their career. Some of them are already paid salaries ranging between Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000," he said.