From Investing.com: 2024-09-14 07:26:07

A labor strike at a Samsung plant in India, led by the politically-backed worker group CITU, is now in its fifth day, disrupting production and bringing attention to low wages. The strike challenges Modi’s “Make in India” initiative and his goal of tripling electronics production to $500 billion. Companies like Foxconn and Micron have been attracted to India’s business friendly policies and cheap labor, but worker rights issues persist in the electronics sector.

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), with 6.6 million members, has historically focused on auto sectors but is now setting its sights on the electronics industry. The CITU-backed Samsung strike is rare in India’s electronics sector, impacting production significantly. CITU plans to expand its advocacy to companies like Flex and Sanmina, pushing for union recognition and better wages.

The Samsung strike, one of the largest industrial disputes at a foreign company in India, affects about a third of Samsung’s $12 billion annual revenue in the country. Workers have demanded an increase from the average wage of 25,000 rupees ($300) to 36,000 rupees ($430) over three years due to rising living costs. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has been on a U.S. tour during the strike, highlighting the scale and impact of the unrest.



Read more at Investing.com: Samsung India strike puts spotlight on powerful Indian labour group By Reuters