Workers at the Samsung factory near Sunguvarchatram, Kanchipuram district, have been on strike for several weeks, demanding better wages, an 8-hour workday, and recognition of their labor union, among other demands. After several rounds of talks, Tamil Nadu ministers announced that an agreement had been reached between Samsung and a section of the workers. However, a different faction of the workers rejected the deal and continued their strike.
Late last night, police reportedly dismantled the protest tent that had been set up at the site and began arresting key protesters from their homes, according to allegations by the Communist Party of India (CPI). This morning, workers returned to the site, only to find their protest tent removed. Despite the police presence, they resumed their sit-in protest at the same location. Police urged the workers to disperse, leading to increased tension in the area as the situation remained unresolved.
In response to the arrests, an urgent petition has been filed in the Madras High Court on behalf of the CITU labor union, with lawyer Thirumurthi seeking an emergency hearing for the immediate release of the detained workers.
Workers questioned why they were being asked to disperse now after weeks of peaceful protest. The police action has raised concerns and created an atmosphere of tension around the protest site.