Chennai: After thirty-eight days of protests, Samsung Electronics workers have concluded their strike and are set to return to work. A Soundararajan, General Secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), asserted that the company administration must respond to employee concerns before the labor department addresses them. He emphasized that there should be no reprisals against employees for participating in the strike.
In a statement to ANI, CITU Kancheepuram district secretary E Muthukumar and A Soundararajan confirmed, “The strike has been withdrawn.” They mentioned that discussions took place at the Secretariat involving four ministers and labor department officials, which led to decisions that the Labor Department suggested the company must follow. Soundararajan added that the administration should not retaliate against those who participated in the strike.
“The administration must reply to the labor department concerning employee queries. Returning workers are expected to collaborate with management, which in turn will do the same. The administration’s actions must be legally sound, based on our agreed Memorandum of Understanding. Starting tomorrow, employees will resume work,” he stated.
On October 15, the Tamil Nadu government announced that Samsung workers had agreed to an amicable resolution to the strike. Following directives from the Chief Minister, various ministers and officials held discussions with all parties. As a result, Samsung’s management has introduced several welfare measures for the workers.
The management of Samsung India, as per the State Labor Department, confirmed these initiatives. The conciliation talks held on October 15, 2024, involved both management and striking workers, leading to a consensus that all striking workers would end the strike and return to work. The management agreed not to penalize workers for their participation in the strike. Upon their return, workers are expected to fully cooperate with management and avoid actions detrimental to the company’s interests. Furthermore, the management will submit a written response to the workers’ charter of demands before the conciliation officer.
Notably, Samsung factory is situated in Sunguvarchatiram in Kanchipuram district, near Chennai, and employs over 1,500 workers who have been protesting since September 9 for a wage increase, union recognition, and an 8-hour workday.