The Tamil Nadu labor department announced on Tuesday that Samsung India’s workers at the Sriperumbudur plant have called off the strike.
According to the press note, the 37-day strike was taken following extensive discussions among workers’ representatives, the state government and company management.
The statement said the workers, under the banner of Samsung India Workers Union, have been protesting for over a month, demanding better working conditions, revised wages and recognition of their union.
“On returning to work, the management should not victimize the workers for participating in the strike,” said the press note.
It added that the workers would cooperate fully with the management and not do any acts prejudicial to the management’s interest.
Worker rights have been one of the critical social elements of ESG, which involves the fair treatment of workers, which includes labor conditions, wages, benefits, and respect for collective bargaining rights.
Labor strikes often occur when workers believe their rights are being infringed upon or significant concerns over pay, workplace safety, or benefits exist.
Governance practices that ensure transparent and fair communication between management and employees are crucial to preventing labor unrest.
Moreover, the Samsung management will file a written reply to the charter of demands filed by the workers before the conciliation officer.
“Both the parties have accepted this advice. The workers informed that they would call off the strike immediately and return to work,” said the statement, adding, “Thus, the strike at the Samsung factory has come to an end, and all the workers are resuming work.”
About 1,100 workers of the total 1,750 employees of Samsung India have been on strike since Sept. 9 to press for various demands, including wage revision, better work conditions, and registration of the newly formed SIWU backed by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions.
The strike’s resolution marks a significant moment of dialogue and negotiation between the workforce and management.
It underscores the importance of recognizing workers’ rights and demands as integral to the operational success and ethical responsibility of a company.
