Synopsis
Tamil Nadu ministers will lead key talks to resolve a strike by Samsung India workers, initiated after the suspension of union members. The discussions aim to find a resolution to the ongoing protests that have raised significant labor concerns.Key Takeaways
- Tamil Nadu ministers C.V. Ganeshan and E.V. Velu to mediate.
- Samsung workers have been on strike since February 5.
- Strikes began after suspensions of union leaders.
- CITU threatens to escalate protests if no resolution is found.
- Samsung maintains a strict policy against disruption.
Chennai, Feb 23 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Labour Minister C.V. Ganeshan and State Highways Minister E.V. Velu are set to spearhead discussions between the management of Samsung India and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) on Monday. These meetings are intended to address the ongoing sit-in strike that employees of Samsung have been staging outside the company's manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur since February 5.
The strike was initiated following the suspension of three office-bearers from the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU). As reported by CITU sources, the company has suspended a total of 23 SIWU members since the protest commenced, as of Saturday, February 22.
The suspension notifications from Samsung India referred to issues like insubordination, production disruption, and non-compliance with directives. The company indicated that suspended workers would be barred from entering the manufacturing site unless otherwise instructed by authorities. Moreover, it was stated that a comprehensive complaint and charge sheet would be communicated via email.
A prior meeting between labor department officials and the protesting workers on February 20 did not result in any resolution.
CITU, which is leading the strike, has declared intentions to escalate actions if the upcoming conciliation talks do not yield favorable results. E. Muthukrishnan, CITU Kancheepuram District Secretary and SIWU President, noted that workers from various industrial sectors in the district plan to participate in a one-day shutdown in support of the Samsung and SH Electronics employees. Furthermore, local traders have expressed their solidarity with the movement. A. Soundararajan, CITU State President, stressed the necessity for government intervention to ensure justice for the suspended workers.
"The subsequent conciliation discussion is slated for February 24. While we are hopeful for a resolution, if the talks do not succeed, we will escalate our protests,” he cautioned.
In the meantime, a spokesperson from Samsung India commented on the situation, stating, "A specific group of workers made another unlawful attempt to disrupt operations and maintain industrial peace on Thursday. We uphold a zero-tolerance stance against any illegal activities that jeopardize stability and workplace harmony. Employees are expected to comply with company policies, and those who do not will face disciplinary measures in accordance with due process."
With the Tamil Nadu government intervening by assigning ministers to facilitate the discussions, all attention is directed towards Monday's meeting to determine if a resolution can be achieved.
