CHENNAI, India (Agencies): Workers at Samsung Electronics’ factory in Tamil Nadu have called off a strike that lasted more than a month, following an agreement to address several of their demands.
The strike, involving around 1,500 workers, began on September 9 near Samsung’s Chennai factory, one of the company’s key production facilities in India.
The workers, who were protesting for better pay, improved working conditions, and the recognition of their newly-formed union, decided to end the strike after Samsung management agreed to engage with their demands.
While the union, known as the Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU), has yet to be formally recognized, negotiations on other issues, including higher wages and medical insurance, are set to continue.
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (Citu), a national labour union that led the protests, announced the decision after a meeting with Samsung and Tamil Nadu’s labour department officials.
“We have decided to call off the protest as Samsung has committed to discuss all key demands,” said E Muthukumar, a labour activist involved in the strike.
Workers are expected to return to their jobs on Thursday.
The Tamil Nadu Minister for Industries, TRB Rajaa, confirmed that Samsung had assured no punitive action would be taken against workers for participating in the strike.
Samsung also released a statement welcoming the decision to end the protest, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a positive working environment at its Chennai factory, which plays a vital role in the company’s $12 billion annual revenue in India.
The strike had drawn attention as one of the largest labour protests the South Korean technology giant has faced in recent years, highlighting the challenges Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government faces in positioning India as a global manufacturing hub.
While the issue of union recognition will be decided by the courts, the resolution of the strike marks a step forward for workers’ rights at one of India’s largest electronics manufacturing facilities.