Samsung Facing Labor Dispute, Hundreds of Worker Protesting in Chennai Factory

The controversy over suspension of some workers has increased over the suspension of some workers at the factory near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, a consumer electronics company in South Korea. This factory works in 1,800 workers. The company suspended three workers. About 500 workers have gone on dharna in protest against this.

This is the second major controversy related to workers in six months in this Samsung factory. This factory manufactures television, refrigerators and washing machines. This factory holds about 20 percent of Samsung sales in the country. However, the company has reported that most of its workers are functioning in general. Two sources who are aware of the case said that this dharna has not affected manufacturing as the company has hired contract workers to handle the situation. The workers sitting on a dharna in this factory have refused to withdraw.

The leader of the company’s Workers Union, A Soundararajan, said that this protest would continue as the suspended workers have not been heard. He said that it has affected the company’s refrigerator unit. Last year, hundreds of workers went on strike to demand an increase in salary in this factory and recognition of the union. However, the strike ended after the consent to resolve the demands of Samsung’s workers later. Soundararajan said that talks are going on with the state government.

The Tamil Nadu government did not answer the request sent for comment in this regard. Samsung has said that some workers have been suspended for the atmosphere of work and the safety of other workers. The company said that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken after a formal investigation into the matter. However, the company has not given the reason for the suspension of these workers. Samsung said in the statement, “We are trying to compromise with our workers. We are ready to negotiate in the government’s mediation for this.” Recently the company launched the Galaxy S25 series. The company has received more than 4.3 lakh pre-orders for this smartphone series. It has surpassed Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series in terms of pre-orders.