CHENNAI: Tension prevailed at Echoor village near Sunguvarchatram in Sriperumbudur district after police arrested ten office-bearers of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions-backed Samsung workers‘ union. They were protesting against the management for the 31st day putforth various demands.
The police also dismantled the tent from where the workers were protesting.
The incident occurred as leaders from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)’s alliance partners, including Congress, CPI(M), CPI, MDMK, and VCK, were set to visit the protest site on Wednesday to show their support for the workers.
Since September 9, more than 1000 workers from Samsung India’s manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur went on strike in Echoor village, located one kilometre from the plant.
The workers demanded recognition for their newly formed union, the Samsung India Thozhilalar Sangam (SIWU), and wage revisions. On Tuesday, police photographed several Samsung workers who were prevented from going to the factory in Sriperumbudur, Kancheepuram district.
The tent was dismantled by the police after the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) filed a complaint stating that the protest was being held on govt land.
On Tuesday, Tamil Nadu minister for Industries T.R.B. Rajaa urged the protesting Samsung employees to return to work. He assured them that their CITU-backed union would be recognised after the court delivered its verdict and that the state govt would support them.
However, the CITU declared that the strike would continue, as the workers did not accept the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on Monday. The MoA did not meet their primary demand – the recognition of the newly formed Samsung India Workers’ Union (SIWU).
The video of police arguing with the protesting workers went viral on social media