Massive Protest by CITU Scheduled in Kancheepuram Tomorrow
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Synopsis
In Kancheepuram, tensions rise as the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU) extends protests against management. Key demonstrations set for February 21 at SIPCOT locations and a planned strike on March 7 highlight the ongoing labor dispute.
Key Takeaways
- Protests by CITU planned at four SIPCOT locations.
- Blocking of Samsung's factory gates anticipated.
- One-day strike scheduled for March 7.
- Samsung's management accused of further worker suspensions.
- Conciliation talks have failed to resolve issues.
Chennai, Feb 20 (NationPress) The current impasse between the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU), linked with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), and the management of Samsung India has intensified. With no resolution in sight, the union has resolved to broaden its protest outside the company’s premises.
The CITU has revealed plans to conduct demonstrations at four State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) sites in Kancheepuram district on Friday, February 21.
In addition, the union has pledged to obstruct the entrances of Samsung’s Sriperumbudur factory on the same day, thereby preventing contract workers—whom they label as “illegal workers”—from entering.
The trade union organization has also announced a one-day strike across all industries in Kancheepuram district on March 7.
CITU Kancheepuram district secretary and SIWU president E. Muthukumar mentioned that the union is willing to conclude the strike if Samsung retracts the suspension of three SIWU officials. However, instead of attending to their demands, the company is purportedly planning to suspend 18 additional workers linked to the union.
A further set of conciliation discussions between SIWU and Samsung management, which took place on February 19 with Tamil Nadu labour department officials present, did not succeed in resolving the deadlock.
The protest commenced on February 5, with over 500 Samsung workers participating in a sit-in against the suspension of three SIWU members. The union was officially registered by the state labour welfare department following a 38-day strike and a 212-day legal struggle.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Samsung India stated, “Samsung remains committed to resolving any issues by directly engaging with our workers. We do not condone illegal activities by certain workers that threaten industrial peace and workplace safety. All employees need to adhere to company policies, and those who violate these policies will be subject to disciplinary action after due legitimate process. Our priority is to maintain a safe and stable workplace for all workers.”
Samsung’s Sriperumbudur facility in Kancheepuram district employs approximately 1,800 workers and produces televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, and compressors. This plant represented one-fifth of Samsung’s $12 billion sales in India for 2022-23. With tensions rising, all eyes are on the February 21 demonstrations, which could disrupt industrial activities across the district.
