Chennai: The 37-day strike by Samsung workers in Tamil Nadu has officially been called off, with employees returning to work today, October 17. The decision to end the strike followed a general body meeting convened by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) on Wednesday morning. The unrest began on September 9 when approximately 1,000 workers at the company's Sriperumbudur plant walked out, demanding better wages and improved working conditions.

The protests erupted after employees discovered that their wages had not been revised in line with industry standards, despite Samsung's significant growth. The CITU had two major demands: that Samsung provide a written response to their charter of demands before the conciliatory officer and that no retaliatory action be taken against the workers involved in the strike since September 9. The protests garnered significant attention, receiving solidarity from various labor unions and community organizations who supported the workers' fight for fair treatment. Demonstrations outside the plant highlighted their grievances, with workers remaining united in their demands.

In response to the unrest, management engaged in discussions with union leaders to address the issues. After several rounds of negotiations, both parties reached a mutual understanding, allowing for the announcement that workers would return to their posts. Union representatives confirmed that all participating workers would resume their duties and expressed optimism about the management's commitment to addressing the grievances raised during the protest. CITU state president A. Sounderarajan stated, “If we do not reach an understanding even after that, then we will fight it out in the court.”

He clarified that, according to Samsung India's 'No Work, No Pay' policy, employees would not receive salaries for the duration of the protest. Samsung India expressed appreciation for CITU's decision to end the strike and thanked the Tamil Nadu government for its support. The company looks forward to welcoming back employees who had been on strike.

All striking workers will return to work immediately, with Samsung assuring that no disciplinary action will be taken against them. In return, workers have agreed to refrain from any “pre-judicial” actions. Follow-up talks have been scheduled for November 7 to continue discussions on outstanding issues.

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