“Why hundreds of Samsung workers are protesting in India” 19 Sep 2024

For the past 11 days, about 1,500 workers of South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics have been striking work in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, leading to major disruptions in production.

… The workers have three key demands: Samsung must recognise the new union, allow collective bargaining, and reject competing unions as about 90% of the workforce belongs to SILWU, said Mr Soundararajan.

Workers, earning an average of 25,000 rupees ($298; £226) a month, are demanding staggered raises totalling a 50% increase over the next three years, according to Citu.

Citu also alleged that workers at the plant were being "pressurised to finish each product - like a refrigerator, washing machine, or TV - within 10-15 seconds", work non-stop for four to five hours at a stretch, and do their jobs in unsafe conditions.

“We categorically deny that workers are made to work for four hours at a stretch. All workers get suitable breaks in between," Samsung India said in an official statement.

"Also, employees work on their given task of the manufacturing process as products are passed through the conveyor line. They are not required to 'finish' a product in such a time frame, which is not realistic. We reiterate that we are in compliance with all laws and regulations," the statement added.

Mr Soundararajan alleged that management at the Chennai plant had also approached workers with this solution, which they refused. A source in Samsung India told the BBC that the organisation "fully supports unions but not ones backed by a third-party".