Police Detain Over 100 Sumsung Workers in India Amid Wages Protest; Strike Disrupts Production

In a significant escalation of a workers’ strike at Sumsung Electronics’ home appliance plant in Tamil Nadu, Indian police detained 104 workers on Monday for attempting to march in protest without permission. The workers are demanding higher wages and recognition for their union, backed by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).

The ongoing strike has halted production at the factory near Chennai, a key contributor to Sumsung $12 billion annual revenue in India. Workers have set up a protest camp outside the plant for over a week, but talks with Sumsung and state government officials have so far failed to produce a resolution.

Kancheepuram police, who detained the protestors in wedding halls due to space limitations, cited concerns about public disruption as the reason for the crackdown. Despite the detentions, labor groups have announced plans for a larger demonstration on Wednesday in support of the striking workers.

The strike adds to Samsung’s troubles in India, where the company already faces antitrust investigations and potential layoffs. With more than 1,000 workers on strike out of the plant’s 1,800-strong workforce, the protests could further strain operations in India, a crucial market for the company.