Samsung India Electronics Private Limited (SIEPL) Loses Around $100M Due to Trade Union Strike

• SIEPL claims to have suffered a loss of around $100 million due to a 38-day strike by employees demanding the registration of their trade union, Samsung India Thozhilalar Sangam, affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).

• The Madras High Court seized a writ petition filed by P. Ellan, general secretary of the new trade union.

• SIEPL’s senior counsel argued that trade unions should not use the word ‘Samsung’ in their names, as their activities could affect the company’s reputation.

• Advocate N.G.R. Prasad argued that it was not a trademark dispute for the company to object over the use of its name by a trade union.

• SIEPL’s counsel argued that CITU’s association with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) gave a political colour to the new trade union, causing interference in the running of their factory in Sriperumbudur.

• The judge allowed SIEPL to file a counter-affidavit until November 11.