7 Samsung workers arrested in Tamil Nadu as strike over three key demands continues

Seven workers at the Samsung plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, were arrested after an altercation with the police. The protesters, who have been demanding better pay and working conditions, also accused the police of harassment.

In Short

• Seven Samsung workers arrested in Tamil Nadu
• The workers allege police harassment
• The protesters have been demanding better pay and working conditions

Seven Samsung workers were arrested in Tamil Nadu late on Tuesday night during the ongoing month-long protest by employees of the South Korean electronics giant’s plant in Sriperumbudur.

The workers have three main demands - better pay, improved work hours, and recognition of their newly formed trade union.

As per reports, seven men were arrested following an altercation with Sunguvarchathiram Sub-Inspector Manikandan. The altercation occurred while he was investigating an accident involving a mini load van that collapsed near Samsung gate number 3, injuring five workers.

The workers accused the police of creating a tense atmosphere that contributed to the incident, arguing that stringent checks and delays directly impacted their ability to arrive at work safely.

Despite six rounds of talks, involving three state ministers, the situation has escalated, with workers also alleging harassment from local police.

Reports indicate that the police have established checkpoints in various locations to verify the identities of workers heading to the Samsung facility in Sriperumbudur. Workers allege that officers demanded to see their identification and photographed their IDs without providing a clear rationale.

Adding to the unrest, workers claimed that their gathering tent had been removed by the authorities just as DMK allied parties, including CPI, CPI(M), VCK, Congress, MDMK, and TVK, were set to show support for their cause. The arrested workers were later produced before the Sriperumbudur Judicial Magistrate, as the standoff between employees and authorities continues.