"Statement regarding the treatment of Samsung workers returning from strike a factory in Chennai (India)", 10 February 2025

Samsung Electronics (Samsung) recognizes the right of its employees to form and join trade unions of their own choosing, to bargain collectively, and to engage in peaceful assembly, as well as the right to refrain from such activities, as guaranteed by international standards and local laws.

The tripartite agreement between Samsung, the striking workers, and local authorities reached on October 15, 2024 comprises the following: 1) the union shall end the strike and return to work immediately, 2) the strike participants shall not face reprisal, 3) the strike participants returning to work shall comply with legitimate work orders and refrain from acts disrupting peaceful working environment within the company, and 4) all parties shall comply with the above agreement.

In full compliance with the aforementioned agreement, the company facilitated the peaceful return of all workers participating in the strikes back to the production sites in Chennai, India. While individual workers re-joined operations in production at different dates, the company paid full wages to the returning workers from October 17, 2024, when striking employees returned to work. Moreover, the company organized workshops centered on improving workers’ welfare and labor-management relationship with all workers, regardless of their participation in the strike, to facilitate the smooth return of all striking workers back to production sites and a harmonious work relationship among co-workers, and to strengthen respectful and constructive communication between the company and workers. The workers participating in the strikes were equally guaranteed their right to return to work free from retaliation or discrimination. Contrary to the allegations, the company did not require the termination of their union membership or enroll them in disciplinary training as a condition for the workers’ return, as per the October agreement.

Samsung will continue to respect the freedom of association of our employees and support the non- violent and lawful exercise of those rights. Samsung is open to dialogues with worker representations with regard to improving employment and working conditions.