Samsung’s Chennai factory workers have been protesting for nearly a month, calling for better wages, shorter working hours, and the recognition of their union. On Gandhi Jayanti, October 2nd, the employees took their fight a step further by going on a peaceful hunger strike to bring attention to their demands.
Workers Protest for Wage Hike and Better Conditions
The protest at the Samsung factory, located in Sunguvarachathiram, Kanchipuram district, has been ongoing since September 9, 2024. The workers are seeking a salary hike and a reduction in their working hours to the standard 8 hours per day. The employees, numbering over 1500, have also been pressing for the recognition of their union, which they believe will give them a stronger voice in addressing their grievances.
Gandhi Jayanti Hunger Strike
In a symbolic act of non-violence on Gandhi Jayanti, the workers organized a hunger strike. The protestors paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by laying flowers at his statue before beginning their one-day fast. The employees, united under the Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), are hopeful that their peaceful demonstration will push the management to listen to their demands.
Road Roko and Police Detention
The day before the hunger strike, over 900 employees participated in a “Road Roko” protest led by CITU in Tamil Nadu. Many of the workers were detained by the local police during the demonstration but were released later in the evening. Despite the legal action taken against them, the workers remain determined to continue their fight for better pay and working conditions.
Government Inaction Draws Criticism
CITU State President Soundararajan criticized the government for not stepping in to support the workers, despite earlier promises. He compared the current situation to the protests of 1972, where workers saw a successful resolution despite no government action. He expressed optimism that the current protest would also lead to a positive outcome for the workers.
Samsung’s Response to the Protest
Samsung India stated in response to the ongoing protest, asserting that the company is already offering competitive wages. “The average monthly wage of our full-time manufacturing workers at the Chennai plant is 1.8 times higher than similar workers employed by other companies in the region,” the company said. Samsung also emphasized that worker welfare remains a top priority for the company.
As the protest enters its third week, the workers are holding their ground, seeking not only better wages but also an improvement in their overall working conditions. All eyes are now on Samsung and the Tamil Nadu government to see how they will address the demands of these workers.
