CHENNAI, Sept 9 (Askume) – Hundreds of workers at a Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) factory in southern India have begun an indefinite strike demanding higher wages, a union leader told Askume, partially affecting production on Monday.
Samsung Electronics’ largest union in South Korea went on a four-day strike in August demanding higher wages and bonuses after talks with management failed .
Samsung employs just under 2,000 workers at its Sriperumbudur plant near Chennai, which makes refrigerators and washing machines. An industry source with direct knowledge of the situation said nearly half the factory’s daily output was affected as many employees did not report for work.
Samsung India Union president E. Muthukumar said several people wearing company uniforms were sitting outside the factory demanding higher wages and better working hours.
“The strike will continue,” he said, without giving any timetable.
A Samsung India spokesperson said in an email that the company “actively works with workers to resolve any complaints and complies with all laws and regulations.”
He added that Samsung would “ensure our consumers are not disrupted.”
Samsung sees India as a key growth market. The Sriperumbudur plant, set up in 2007, is one of two factories operated by Samsung in India, the other being located in Noida in northern Uttar Pradesh and producing smartphones.
Industry sources said Samsung has brought in contract workers to ensure there are no disruptions in mass production ahead of Indian festivals when electronics sales surge.
