Conciliatory Discussions Scheduled Today Between Management and Union at TN Samsung Factory
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Synopsis
In ongoing protests at Samsung India's Sriperumbudur facility, the Tamil Nadu Labour Department is facilitating discussions between the management and the workers' union to address the situation following the suspension of three union leaders. Escalation plans are in place if talks do not succeed.
Key Takeaways
- Conciliatory talks scheduled between Samsung management and workers’ union.
- Protests ongoing due to suspensions of union leaders.
- CITU threatens escalation of protests if discussions fail.
- Over 500 workers participating in a sit-in protest since February 5.
- Claims of illegal hiring of contract workers by Samsung.
Chennai, Feb 19 (NationPress) As protests persist at Samsung India’s Sriperumbudur plant, the Tamil Nadu Labour Department has arranged a meeting between the workers’ union and management, set for Wednesday.
The strike, spearheaded by the CPI(M)-affiliated Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), is a reaction to the suspension of three employees, who are also leaders of the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU).
CITU has cautioned that if discussions break down, they will intensify protests by organizing demonstrations outside Samsung showrooms across Tamil Nadu on February 21 (Friday). Furthermore, the union intends to hold large-scale protests outside the office of the Deputy Labour Commissioner in Kancheepuram after these demonstrations.
A Tamil Nadu Labour Department official informed IANS that at least three rounds of conciliation discussions have occurred since January 31. Nevertheless, the situation escalated following renewed protests regarding the suspensions.
Family members of the affected workers have joined the protests in the Bazaar Area of Sunguvarchatram.
Since February 5, over 500 workers have been engaged in a sit-in protest within the factory grounds, refusing to leave for nearly two weeks.
Samsung has allocated a designated area for the strike; however, workers assert that they have access to only three toilets. Furthermore, if a worker leaves the premises for medical reasons or to visit family, their access cards are deactivated, barring their return.
Meanwhile, Samsung management has labeled the strike as “illegal” but asserts that the protesting workers have access to food and toilet facilities despite their absence from work since February 5.
In a statement, Samsung claimed that approximately 300 workers allegedly attempted to forcefully enter management offices on the second floor, inciting disciplinary measures.
CITU has accused Samsung of employing contract workers unlawfully in production activities. According to CITU’s Kancheepuram district secretary, E. Muthukumar, around 200 contract workers have been hired, despite regulations stating that contract staff should only assist on assembly lines, not engage directly in production.
Samsung, however, denies this allegation, maintaining that production is largely upheld by rotating permanent staff. While they acknowledge the use of external help, they assert that it is minimal and compliant with legal standards.
A senior Labour Department official stated that efforts are being made to offer both parties alternative solutions to amicably resolve the conflict.
