In an escalation of the ongoing labour dispute, Samsung India Electronics has issued a show cause notice to its striking workers, warning that wages will be withheld until they return to work and questioning why their employment should not be terminated within seven days.
The notice, issued by Samsung’s HR department, labelled the strike as ‘illegal’ and a violation of Sections 23 and 24 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The notice also stated that wages would be withheld for eight days, beginning on September 9, the day the strike commenced. “You are not entitled to any wages from September 9 until you return to work on a ‘no work, no pay’ basis,” the notice, accessed by FE, read. Workers were instructed to respond within three days, explaining why their wages should not be deducted for this period.
Additionally, the notice warned, “If you fail to report to work within four days, you must provide a written explanation within seven days on why your employment should not be terminated.”
Since September 9, thousands of workers at Samsung’s Sriperumbudur plant near Chennai have been protesting in a makeshift tent outside the facility. Their demands include higher wages, better working conditions, and recognition of a union supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).
The showcause notice was issued just a day after the Kancheepuram district court directed both parties to expedite the conciliation process. Samsung Electronics has also filed a lawsuit against members of the CITU, which is leading the strike, seeking a temporary injunction to restrict protests near the plant.
J Prathaban, the labour union’s advocate, informed FE that the company sought to prohibit demonstrations within 500 metres of the factory. “The protest is taking place in a makeshift tent located at least 2,000 metres from the factory, so there is no violation. The court accepted our submission,” he explained.
“We have informed our policy to our workers based on relevant laws and regulations, and urged them to return to work immediately. The safety and wellbeing of our workers are a priority. We remain committed to resolving this issue,” Samsung India spokesperson stated.
In a separate notice earlier in the day, Samsung management announced that the ID cards of workers participating in the “illegal strike” would be deactivated starting Monday, September 23. The company also warned that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to block workers who wished to return to work.
Prathaban argued that the strike was not illegal as no conciliation process was pending when the notice was served. He added that the strike did not fall under Sections 23 and 24 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
The Sriperumbudur plant, which employs more than 1,800 workers, produces consumer electronics such as televisions, washing machines, and air conditioners.
From: financialexpress
Financial News
