Around 1,000 workers at Samsung Electronics India, located on the outskirts of Chennai, have been on strike since September 9, 2024, demanding recognition of their union and improved working conditions. The workers are organized under the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).
Recently, Tamil Nadu police arrested 11 union leaders and dismantled the striking workers’ tents. The Labour Department has delayed the registration of the union, exacerbating tensions.
The Samsung management has stated it will not negotiate with what it terms “outsiders” in the union leadership, despite the Trade Union Registration Act permitting a specified number of non-workers to be part of the union leadership.
This situation reflects a broader pattern seen across the country, particularly with multinational corporations (MNCs). In Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the IFTU has experienced similar resistance, with the Labour Department historically refusing to register unions unless the concerned MNC agreed.
A recent incident in Gurugram’s Manesar belt involved an MNC acting against a workers’ union for allowing a contract worker to join. Aurobindo Pharma in Andhra Pradesh also saw workers striking for 83 days in 2012 to secure union registration. “We urge all trade unions and workers across the country to unite against the attack on the right to unionize and push for the repeal of the four Labour Codes,” said Aparna, president.
Also Read : https://thecapital.org.in/ratan-tatas-mortal-remains-taken-from-home-to-ncpa-for-people-to-pay-tributes/