Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The mass protests by Samsung employees, which began in South Korea, have now spread to India. Thousands of workers at the Samsung factory in Chennai have joined the strike, disrupting production as they demand higher wages and recognition of their union.
In response, Samsung Electronics management issued a stern warning to employees, threatening to withhold pay if the strike continues. The company even hinted at potential layoffs, according to an internal email seen by Reuters on Monday, September 23, 2024.
The protests began on September 9, 2024, marking one of the largest labor strikes in India in recent years. Workers are seeking a raise in their monthly wages from 25,000 rupees (approximately $300) to 36,000 rupees ($435). The strike comes at a critical time for India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been trying to attract foreign investment through his “Make in India” initiative, aimed at tripling the country’s electronics manufacturing output to $500 billion within the next six years.
Last week, Samsung filed a lawsuit against the protesting union in a local district court, but the judge urged both sides to seek a negotiated resolution. However, Samsung’s Human Resources team in India has escalated the situation, sending emails to striking workers stating that they would not receive their salaries during the protest.
“You will not be paid from September 9, 2024, until you report back to work. This is based on the principle of ‘No Work, No Pay,'” read the email from management. The message further warned that if employees do not return within four days, they must provide a valid explanation to avoid being dismissed.
In an official statement, Samsung India maintained that its policies adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. The company urged employees to return to work as soon as possible to avoid further disruptions.
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The Chennai plant, which manufactures refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines, employs around 1,800 workers, with more than 1,000 currently on strike. Other Samsung facilities in India, such as the smartphone factory in Uttar Pradesh, have not been affected by the protests.
(Ray)
