Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 09 October 2024
The Andaman & Nicobar State Committee of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) held a Trade Union Convention in support of protesting Samsung workers from Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The convention took place at Sri Vijaya Puram and was aimed at raising solidarity for the workers who have been on strike since September 9, 2024.
The convention was inaugurated by K. Swaminathan, former Joint Secretary of the All India Insurance Employees Association, who strongly criticised Samsung’s management for resisting the formation of a trade union at its Sriperumbudur facility. He also condemned the company’s refusal to settle issues related to wage hikes and worker benefits.
Swaminathan highlighted that out of the 1,800 workers employed at the Sriperumbudur plant, around 1,400 have been on strike. He further alleged that police in Tamil Nadu have been harassing the striking workers, making their protest even more challenging.
He also took aim at the current government, accusing it of siding with multinational corporations and big businesses to suppress the working class for profit maximisation. According to Swaminathan, the only political entities standing in defence of workers’ rights are leftist parties and trade unions.
D. Ayyappan, Vice President of the CITU State Committee, provided a detailed account of the background of the strike. He elaborated on the grievances of the Samsung workers, emphasising the importance of their demands being met.
The convention was presided over by R. Surendran Pillai, President of the CITU State Committee, who opened the event with remarks addressing the key demands of the striking workers. Other prominent CITU leaders, including secretaries SP Kalairajan and Anand Rajan, also delivered speeches in support of the workers.
B. Chandrachoodan, General Secretary of the CITU, was present during the event, showing the union’s collective support for the workers’ cause.
The convention marked a significant moment in the ongoing movement to support the workers of the Samsung plant in Tamil Nadu, amplifying their struggle on a national level.