Since September 9, 2024, over 1,000 workers at Samsung’s home appliances plant near Chennai have been on an indefinite strike. Their primary demands include:

1. Recognition of the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU), supported by CITU.
2. Collective bargaining rights.
3. Rejection of competing unions like SILWU, allegedly backed by the company.

Key Issues:

• Workplace Conditions: Allegations include high-pressure production targets, non-stop shifts, unsafe environments, and stagnant salaries. Contractual hiring practices hinder unionization and rarely result in promised permanent employment.
• Union Suppression: Samsung has deemed the strike illegal, warning of job losses and refusing to recognize unions linked to external organizations like CITU.

Escalating Tensions:

• Government delays in union registration led to unrest.
• Police detained hundreds of protesters, citing public inconvenience, raising concerns of rights violations.

Legal and Human Rights Concerns:

• Potential violations of constitutional rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, profession, and life (Articles 19 and 21).
• Alleged suppression of labor rights contravenes international standards, including those of the ILO.

Appeal to the NHRC:

• Initiate an independent inquiry into workers' rights violations and unsafe conditions.
• Investigate the use of force against peaceful protesters.
• Address allegations of unsafe factory conditions.