Hundreds of workers at Samsung Electronics’ plant in Sriperumbudur, southern India, have launched an indefinite strike, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The strike, which began on Monday, has already impacted production at the factory, with around half of the daily output disrupted, according to industry sources.
The Sriperumbudur facility, which produces refrigerators and washing machines, employs under 2,000 workers. The strike follows a similar four-day walkout by Samsung’s biggest union in South Korea in August, where employees demanded higher wages and bonuses after failed negotiations with management.
E. Muthukumar, leader of the Samsung India union, confirmed that many workers, dressed in their company uniforms, gathered outside the factory to protest for better wages and improved working hours. “The strike will go on,” he said, without specifying when it would end.
Samsung Electronics responded to the strike by stating that they are actively engaging with workers to address their grievances. A company spokesperson said, “Samsung complies with all laws and regulations and will ensure that there is no disruption to our consumers.”
The Sriperumbudur plant, established in 2007, is one of two manufacturing units Samsung operates in India. The other is located in Noida, northern India, where smartphones are manufactured. India is considered a key growth market for the company, particularly as the country approaches its festive season when consumer demand for electronics peaks.
To mitigate the effects of the strike, Samsung has brought in contract workers to maintain production levels and avoid large-scale disruptions. The company remains committed to ensuring that operations continue smoothly, especially during the critical festive period, the industry source revealed.
The strike at the Sriperumbudur plant highlights ongoing labor disputes within Samsung, both in India and South Korea, as workers push for better compensation and working conditions.