The Chennai unit of Samsung Electronics in India has sued the labour union CITU over its demand to be recognised, even as close to 1,000 of its factory workers sit on a strike.
The workers striking for 11 days outside the factory in Kanchipuram near Chennai have thrown the production activity in a tailspin.
According to Reuters, Samsung's lawsuit, filed on September 12, has sought a temporary injunction against the workers from striking, sloganeering, and making speeches.
The case was heard in a district court in Tamil Nadu on Thursday.
The workers have been demanding higher wages and recognition of the left-backed Centre of Indian Trade Unions.
The plant that is engaged in manufacturing of fridge, TV and other electronics appliances contributes roughly a third of Samsung's annual India revenue of $12 billion.
Samsung in its 14-page court filing said the union's actions "could disrupt the factory's operations and prevent willing employees from fulfilling their duties," Reuters reported.
The company also expressed fear that such activities can escalate, endangering the smooth functioning of the factory and the safety of its employees.
CITU leader E Muthukumar told Reuters the workers are "lawfully striking," and the union will challenge Samsung's contention in court.
As it happens, Samsung is planning to cut up to 30 per cent of its overseas staff, including in India, even as it has been accused by Competition Commission of India of colluding with Amazon and Flipkart for exclusive sale of its smartphones, made at another factory in Noida in Uttar Pradesh.
Representative pic. Source: Samsung
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