Workers’ strike at Samsung factory in India enters second day, production will be affected
Hundreds of Samsung Electronics workers went on strike for a second day on Tuesday at a factory in southern India to demand higher wages, disrupting operations at the South Korean giant.
They set up tents outside the factory in Sriperumbudur, near the city of Chennai, in preparation for a boycott of the work.
The Indian plant is one of two Samsung factories in the country, which the company sees as a key growth market. Two sources with direct knowledge said the plant accounts for 20-30 percent of Samsung’s $12 billion (roughly Rs. 1,00,772 crore) annual revenue in India.
Samsung employs about 1,800 people at the factory, which makes consumer electronics such as refrigerators, washing machines and televisions.
About half of the factory’s daily production was affected when many workers failed to show up for work on Monday. The protest continues as workers demand higher wages, better working hours and for their union to be recognized by the company.
“We are on strike for the second day,” said union leader E. Muthukumar.
Samsung India did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson said on Monday that the company was actively engaging with “employees to address any grievances they may have and to comply with all laws and regulations.”
The protests in India follow a multi-day strike by the Samsung Electronics union in South Korea in July and August. The union is preparing a long-term strategy after failing to reach an agreement with management.
Workers in Sriperumbudur put up posters outside the factory reading: “Unlimited strike from 09.09.2024…Discuss and resolve the union demands with union officials.”
Samsung’s other larger factory is in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where smartphones are produced.
© Thomson Reuters 2024
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
