Hundreds of workers at Samsung Electronics' plant in southern India have initiated an indefinite strike, demanding increased wages. The strike, which began on Monday, has partially disrupted production, according to a union leader speaking to Reuters. This action follows a four-day strike in August by Samsung Electronics' largest union in South Korea, which also called for higher wages and bonuses after negotiations with management broke down.
The Sriperumbudur plant, located near Chennai and employing fewer than 2,000 workers, produces refrigerators and washing machines. The strike has affected about half of the plant’s daily production, as many workers have been absent, an industry source with direct knowledge of the situation reported.
E. Muthukumar, head of the Samsung India union, stated that workers, many in company uniforms, gathered outside the plant to demand wage increases and improved working conditions. He indicated that the strike will continue, though no end date was specified.
A Samsung India spokesperson responded by saying that the company is actively engaging with workers to address any issues and adheres to all relevant laws and regulations. The spokesperson assured that measures are in place to prevent significant disruptions for consumers.
India is a key growth market for Samsung. The Sriperumbudur plant, operational since 2007, is one of Samsung's two factories in India, with the other located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, where smartphones are produced.
To minimize production impacts, especially with the upcoming festive season boosting electronic sales, Samsung has brought in contract workers, according to the industry source.