Over 100 Workers Detained in Protest at Samsung Electronics Factory Near Chennai

New Delhi: More than 100 workers from a Samsung Electronics factory on the outskirts of Chennai were detained by police on Monday for attempting to stage a protest march without official permission.

The workers, who have been on strike for over a week, are demanding higher wages, improved working conditions, and formal recognition of their union, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), according to a report from Reuters.

The strike, involving over 1,000 of the factory’s 1,800 workers, is centred around Samsung’s refusal to recognize any union affiliated with national labor groups such as CITU. The factory in Kancheepuram, which produces a range of appliances including televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines, generates nearly one-third of Samsung's $12 billion annual revenue in India.

Samsung had previously stated on Friday that it had opened discussions with the striking workers to "resolve all issues at the earliest." However, with talks between the company, the workers, and state government officials reaching a standstill, the workers decided to organize a protest march on Monday.

Due to the proximity of schools, colleges, and hospitals in the area, the local police denied permission for the march. When the workers attempted to proceed regardless, a total of 104 individuals were detained and held at a wedding hall near Kancheepuram.

In support of the striking workers, 12 union groups, including one aligned with the ruling DMK party, have announced plans to hold a protest in Chennai on Wednesday.