Samsung factory workers call off strike, to resume work from March 8

CHENNAI: The month-long strike by the workers of the Samsung factory at Sunguvarchatram near here was called off on Friday after the management agreed to allow the protesting workers to return to duty without signing an undertaking for participating in the strike since February 5.

The Samsung management softened its stand after the state government intervened to end the impasse between the management and the CITU-backed Samsung India Workers' Union (SIWU).

Following an impasse in the reconciliation talks with the management on Thursday, the SIWU assembled its workers outside the factory gate on Friday morning, with a letter requesting the management to allow them to return to work.

After the government intervention, the management agreed to allow the workers, who had been protesting the suspension of three union office-bearers, to resume work and issued a circular in this regard. In the circular, dated March 7, the company said the management understands that the illegal strike undertaken by a group of workers has been withdrawn with effect March 7,” it said. The circular noted that the workers who have been kept under suspension pending enquiry should undergo the disciplinary action proceedings. "Advising workers not to resort to any illegal activities in future," it added.

CITU Kancheepuram district secretary and SIWU president E Muthukumar said the management was forced to take the workers back without a written undertaking due to the unity of the workers and not because of government intervention. "We have asked the workers not to sign any undertaking. If the management forces you to sign any letter, we will give you instructions. You should not cross the line," he instructed the workers returning to work.

On the 23 suspended workers, he said the issue will be dealt with in a March 12 reconciliation meeting.

"Samsung welcomes the workers' decision to call off the illegal strike and resume their duties. The company’s initiative to welcome back striking workers and its proactive engagement have facilitated their return, effectively ending the strike.

We remain committed to enforcing discipline in the premises and resolving outstanding issues directly with our workers to maintain a positive work environment,” said a Samsung India spokesperson.