BENGALURU – Workers at Samsung Electronics’ factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu have ended a strike that lasted for over a month, the company announced on October 15. The strike, supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), was one of the largest labour protests in India in recent years, raising concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to attract foreign investment in local manufacturing.
Samsung India welcomed CITU’s decision to call off the strike at its factory, which employs approximately 1,800 workers and produces refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines. The company did not disclose the terms of the settlement but confirmed it would not take action against workers who participated in the strike.
The labour dispute had escalated earlier when Samsung took legal action against some union members. Following negotiations, the Tamil Nadu state government confirmed the strike had ended after talks involving Samsung’s management and the workers. Samsung will now respond to the workers’ demands in writing, according to the state government.
Since September 9, more than 1,000 workers had been protesting near the factory, seeking higher wages and official recognition of their union. CITU has indicated that a formal announcement will be made on October 16.
Workers had demanded a salary increase, seeking a raise to 36,000 rupees (S$600) a month, spread over three years. Samsung, however, previously stated that the average monthly salary of full-time workers at the plant was nearly double that of similar positions in the region.
The Tamil Nadu plant plays a crucial role in Samsung’s operations, contributing to roughly one-fifth of the company’s US$12 billion (S$15.7 billion) sales in India for 2022-23. It is one of two Samsung factories in the country.