Workers’ Rights Under Siege: Janata Party Stands Firm with Samsung Workers in Tamil Nadu

Party condemns unlawful arrests, calls out Tamil Nadu government for suppressing legitimate protests

Chennai, 17th Sept, 2024 :

The Janata Party has firmly extended its solidarity to the striking workers of the Samsung plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, where over 1,100 employees have been on strike demanding fair wages and a safe work environment. The workers, who produce 30% of Samsung’s total output of TVs, washing machines, and refrigerators, contribute to the company’s $12 billion revenue. The party decries the arrest of nearly 100 workers today, including prominent CITU leader Comrade E. Muthukumar, in what it calls a blatant violation of workers’ democratic rights.

Speaking on the matter, Janata Party President Mr. Navneet Chaturvedi emphasized the party’s unwavering support for the cause. “In a democracy, citizens have the right to protest. It is deeply troubling that the DMK government, instead of protecting its citizens, is acting like a henchman for multinational corporations like Samsung. We demand the immediate release of all detained workers,” Mr. Chaturvedi said.

The Janata Party’s state unit and its labor wing, Janata Party Labour Union (JPLU), have been instructed to provide full backing to the Samsung workers. The party also acknowledged the support of 12 workers’ unions, including the largest, CITU, in the fight for workers’ rights. “Samsung’s employee union must be officially recognized under the banner of CITU, which has a proven record of standing firmly for the rights of workers across the nation,” Mr. Chaturvedi added.

The party further urged the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to address the grievances of the workers, pointing out that even his own party-affiliated labor wing, the LPF, stands in solidarity with the workers. However, despite this, the state government is reportedly suppressing the strike and infringing on the workers’ rights.

The Janata Party will continue to protest alongside the Samsung workers and will not relent until justice is served. The unlawful detainment of workers is a direct assault on democratic freedoms, and the party vows to keep up the pressure until all demands are met.