A strike, and Tamil Nadu’s challenge Premium

The State government cannot afford to neglect the interests of workers

The ongoing workers’ strike at the manufacturing facility of Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant, in Sriperumbudur near Chennai, appears to have put the Chief Minister M.K. Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in a spot.

The workers have been on strike since September 9, demanding higher wages and union recognition. The demand for recognition of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)-affiliated Samsung India Workers’ Union (SIWU) has been the key friction point between the striking workers and the company’s management. CITU is affiliated to the Communist Party of India (Marxist), a DMK ally.

Last month, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya wrote to Mr. Stalin, urging him to bring a “swift resolution” to the strike at Samsung. Mr. Stalin assigned Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Minister T.M. Anbarasan, and Labour Minister C.V. Ganesan to address the issue. In the presence of the ministers, several long meetings were held between the management and workers, and a “settlement” was reached between the company and the workmen committee on October 7.

However, CITU rejected the settlement proposal and said that the strike would continue until SIWU is recognised. The police arrested some of the protesting workers and dispersed the others. This move evoked strong criticism from the Opposition parties, such as the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam, Pattali Makkal Katchi, and Naam Tamilar Katchi. Even the DMK’s allies — the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, the CPI(M), and Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi — have backed the workers. Interestingly, some leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Tamil Nadu have spoken against the CITU protest.

Industry bodies such as the Confederation of Indian Industry Tamil Nadu have said it is vital to reach a swift resolution to maintain the State’s industrial momentum and attract investors. The DMK-affiliated Labour Progressive Federation has asked CITU not to blow the issue out of proportion.

Mr. Rajaa and Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu spoke to the media and argued that the issue of union recognition is sub judice and that the State government would take a decision based on the verdict of the Madras High Court. Mr. Rajaa said the management was also ready to fulfil the other demands of the workers, including high-quality food, standard locks, and air-conditioning of all the 108 buses. But they were unsuccessful in convincing the protesters to return to work.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin told reporters that Samsung is a multinational company and has refused to recognise a politically backed union. All other demands of the workers have been fulfilled, he pointed out.