More workers have reported for duty after notice: Samsung

CHENNAI: Samsung Electronics on Monday said scores of workers in its plant near Chennai have returned to work after a show-cause notice was issued to the protesting employees. But the company did not specify the number of workers who returned to work.
In a statement, the company said the strike at the factory hit the production of consumer goods such as televisions, refrigerators and washing machines initially.“However, the impact of the strike is minimal now and the company expects production to be near normal starting this week. The welfare of our workers is our top priority, and we will continue to engage with them to address any grievances they may have. At the same time, we have also ensured that there is no disruption to our consumers ahead of the festive season," Samsung said.
Sources at the company, on condition of anonymity, said around 80 workers had reported to work after the show-cause notice and they expected more to join.
Out of 1,800-odd employees at the facility, around 880 employees are working at present. The plant is expected to touch 100% capacity later this week, sources said, adding that the strike at the crucial festival season didn’t impact the dealers' inventory.
Samsung Electronics India on Friday warned employees of pay cuts and termination of service if they did not end their strike and report for duty within four days.
Govt may hold talks
Tamil Nadu govt may hold talks with both parties - employees union and the company management - and might be present at the negotiating table when both parties meet, according to sources familiar with the development. This is a shift from the previous rounds of talks held by the state labour department, where the two sides did not meet directly.
The strike since Sept 9 by hundreds of employees at the Samsung’s Sunguvarchatram plant entered the third week on Monday. Labour union representatives said the strike would go on till there was a resolution.