Samsung Asks the TN Government for Assistance After Striking Employees Attempt to "Disrupt Ops"

Nitin Konde, Varun Bhardwaj

24 Feb 2025 — 2 min read

Samsung Seeks TN Govt Help as Striking Workers Disrupt Operations

On 21 February, as the standoff between the striking workers and management approached its fifteenth day, Samsung India claimed that a group of workers attempted to disrupt operations at its Sriperumbudur plant, and now the company has asked the Tamil Nadu government for assistance in ensuring smooth operations. Maintaining a stable and safe work environment for all employees is Samsung's top goal, the company said in an official statement. Today, several employees attempted to illegally disrupt operations and industrial peace once more.

The business has a zero-tolerance policy for any unlawful actions taken by employees that jeopardise workplace harmony and industrial stability. After three union officials were suspended, at least 600 members of the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU) went on strike on the grounds of the Samsung India Electronics plant in Sriperumbudur. The South Korean company has been urged by the union to lift the suspension. The police had already requested that the workers leave the area where they were on strike.

Reason for the Strike

Some employees have been demonstrating against the earlier suspension of three of their Samsung India Workers Union officials who were supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). In the meanwhile, the company has asked the government for assistance in upholding discipline. According to the organisation, it is crucial that all employees follow its policies, and those who do not will face disciplinary action following the proper procedures.

The company has encouraged the state authorities to ensure worker safety, uphold discipline, and facilitate commercial operations, even as the brand's production continues unabated. The South Korean behemoth's $12 billion in revenue in India is largely derived from the Sriperumbudur facility, which produces washing machines, televisions, and refrigerators.

Not a New Scenario for Sriperumbudur Facility

Historically a centre for the production of electronics and automobiles, Sriperumbudur has seen labour unrest many times. The current conflict comes after a 37-day walkout that caused some production disruptions at Samsung last year. CITU appears to be trying to amplify the controversy. It had called for a one-day walkout at all of Tamil Nadu's industrial units in the Kancheepuram area on February 20. A group of workers connected to the CITU union allegedly attempted to halt production on the morning of 21 February.

"In flagrant violation of the Factories Act, Samsung began production using temporary workers who were not included on the company's muster rolls. We halted the production process ourselves because the state labour department is not acting on the company's illegal practices in spite of several complaints," stated A. Soundararajan, the state president of the CITU. Workers reportedly protested on the shop floor for almost five hours starting at 8 a.m. The demonstrators were then driven out of the building by the police.