Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu – October 9, 2024: Tensions escalated in Kanchipuram district today as a clash broke out between the police and protesting workers of Samsung India. The protest, which has been ongoing for several days, turned violent when the workers demanded higher wages and official recognition of their union, the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU).
The workers, many of whom are employed at Samsung’s manufacturing facility in Kanchipuram, have been staging demonstrations outside the factory gates, raising concerns about inadequate pay and poor working conditions. The primary demand is for the company to recognize the SIWU, which they believe will ensure fair wages, job security, and better treatment for all employees.
According to sources, the protest was peaceful initially but took a volatile turn when a section of the workers attempted to block the entrance to the factory. The police, who were deployed to maintain order, resorted to force to disperse the crowd. Protestors claim that the police used excessive force, which led to several workers being injured. The authorities, on the other hand, stated that they acted in response to the protestors obstructing the factory’s operations and disrupting traffic in the area.
A spokesperson from the SIWU said, “Our demands are legitimate. The workers have been facing exploitation for a long time. We are fighting for our basic rights, and the company’s refusal to recognize our union is a violation of these rights.” They further alleged that Samsung has been avoiding negotiations with the union, leading to a stalemate.
Local sources report that the workers are demanding a wage hike that reflects the rising cost of living, as well as better health benefits, proper working hours, and improved safety measures at the workplace. Many of them believe that union recognition will give them a stronger voice in negotiations with the management.
Samsung India has yet to issue an official statement regarding the ongoing protest and today’s clash. However, company representatives have previously stated that they are committed to adhering to all legal labor guidelines and ensuring fair treatment for all employees.
The situation in Kanchipuram remains tense, with both sides unwilling to back down. The district administration has called for restraint and urged both the workers and the company to come to the negotiating table to resolve the issue peacefully. Meanwhile, several labor rights organizations have expressed solidarity with the protesting workers, condemning the police action and calling for an independent investigation into the use of force.
The incident has sparked concern among local residents and other workers in the region, who are watching closely to see how the dispute will unfold. Kanchipuram, known for its historical significance and as an industrial hub, has witnessed labor movements in the past, but the scale of this protest has drawn attention from across Tamil Nadu.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached that satisfies both the workers’ demands and the company’s operational needs.
