Tamil Nadu government urges Samsung workers to end strike

The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday urged the agitating workers of the Samsung India Electronics factory near here to return to work immediately, considering the welfare of other employees and their families.

Minister for industries TRB Rajaa, who held talks with the management and workers, over the last two days to resolve the issues, wondered if it was fair on the part of the employees to continue their protest just because they were unable to get the Centre of Indian Trade Unions-backed union registered by the labour department.

“We all know that the issue of union recognition is subjudice. We cannot discuss it now. The government is with you, Chief minister M.K. Stalin is with you and considering all these factors, they should return to work immediately,” Rajaa said while addressing reporters at the Secretariat.

Pressing for various demands, including wage revision, better working conditions and recognition of the union backed by CITU, about 1,100 employees of the total 1,750 workforce of Samsung India went on strike since September 9 at Sriperumbudur near here.

Noting that chief minister Stalin has always made well being of workers his top priority, Rajaa recalled that whenever companies were invited to set up shop in the state, he was keen to know about the number of jobs that would be created in the state.