abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb

The content is also available in the following languages: 한국어

Story

23 Sep 2024

India: Samsung Chennai factory workers strike over wages, working conditions, and union recognition

Samsung

After 37 days of striking, workers at Samsung’s Sriperumbudur plant near Chennai are set to resume work following discussions between representatives of the workers, led by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), and Samsung’s management. The strike, which began on September 9, focused on demands for better wages, improved working conditions, and formal recognition of the newly formed Samsung India Workers Union, which is backed by CITU. Workers alleged that Samsung resisted recognizing the union, asserting that it would impact the company's business interests and trademark rights.

During the strike, Samsung reportedly warned workers via email that their actions constituted an "illegal strike" and invoked a "No Work, No Pay" policy, stating that wages would not be paid for the strike period. Samsung also allegedly cautioned that employees could face dismissal if they did not return to work within a specified period. Despite these warnings, approximately 1,100 of the plant’s 1,750 employees continued the strike, disrupting production at the facility, which manufactures consumer appliances such as refrigerators, TVs, and washing machines. Compounding the situation, the South Korean company is planning job cuts of up to 30% in some overseas divisions, including in India.

BHRRC reached out to Samsung with regards to the allegations presented in media sources and Samsung's response can be found here

Company Responses

Samsung Electronics View Response
Samsung Electronics View Response

Timeline

Privacy information

This site uses cookies and other web storage technologies. You can set your privacy choices below. Changes will take effect immediately.

For more information on our use of web storage, please refer to our Data Usage and Cookies Policy

Strictly necessary storage

ON
OFF

Necessary storage enables core site functionality. This site cannot function without it, so it can only be disabled by changing settings in your browser.

Analytics cookie

ON
OFF

When you access our website we use Google Analytics to collect information on your visit. Accepting this cookie will allow us to understand more details about your journey, and improve how we surface information. All analytics information is anonymous and we do not use it to identify you. Google provides a Google Analytics opt-out add on for all popular browsers.

Promotional cookies

ON
OFF

We share news and updates on business and human rights through third party platforms, including social media and search engines. These cookies help us to understand the performance of these promotions.

Your privacy choices for this site

This site uses cookies and other web storage technologies to enhance your experience beyond necessary core functionality.