The lawsuit, filed on September 12, requests a district court in the state to issue a temporary injunction against the union and its members, prohibiting them from protesting, chanting slogans, and delivering speeches in and around the factory near Chennai, as reported by Reuters.
Since September 9, numerous Samsung employees have been staging protests in a makeshift tent, disrupting operations while demanding increased wages and the formal recognition of a union at the plant, which accounts for approximately one-third of Samsung's annual revenue in India, totaling $12 billion.
According to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), workers currently earn an average monthly salary of 25,000 rupees ($300) and are seeking a raise to 36,000 rupees ($430) over a three-year period.
In a confidential 14-page court document, Samsung asserted that the union's activities "could disrupt the factory's operations and hinder willing employees from performing their duties." The company warned that such actions "are likely to escalate, jeopardizing the smooth operation of the factory and the safety of its employees."
During a hearing on Tuesday in Kancheepuram district, a representative for Samsung argued that the union was obstructing willing workers from returning to their jobs, suggesting that the matter should be settled through direct mediation with the employees.
Conversely, the union's attorney contended that management was unwilling to meet the workers' demands. Judge A. Saravanakumar urged both the workers and Samsung management to reach a resolution promptly.
Samsung has initiated legal action against high-ranking officials of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), which has organized support among the company's workforce.
The company is hesitant to acknowledge any union linked to a national labor organization, and attempts to engage in dialogue with employees and state representatives have not yielded a satisfactory outcome.
On Monday, police briefly detained over 100 protesters who were attempting to march without the necessary permits. This strike further complicates Samsung's operations in India.
The electronics manufacturer is considering a 30 percent reduction in its international workforce, including positions in India. A report from Reuters indicates that India's antitrust authority has determined that Samsung and other smartphone manufacturers conspired with e-commerce platforms to launch products exclusively, breaching competition regulations.
Currently, more than 1,000 of the 1,800 employees at the Samsung facility are participating in the strike. The plant produces various appliances, including refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines.