Samsung Electronics has informed its striking workers in Chennai that if they continue to demonstrate, they would not be paid and may face firing, according to a business email, deepening a disagreement between the firm and its employees.

Since September 9, hundreds of Samsung workers have halted work and protested in a makeshift tent at the company's home appliances facility near Chennai. They have been demanding greater salaries and the registration of a union at the plant, which accounts for nearly one-third of Samsung's annual India sales of $12 billion.

Last Monday, Samsung filed a district court lawsuit against the protesting union, seeking a temporary injunction to prevent sloganeering and speeches in and around the facility. However, the court on Thursday just asked for a quick resolution.

On Friday, Samsung India's HR staff sent an email to certain protesting workers, informing them that they were on a "illegal strike" and would not be paid during the protest. "You shall not be entitled to wages from 09.09.2024 to the date you report back to work on a 'No work, no pay' basis," stated the email.

The memo further stated that if staff do not report to work within four days, they must explain why they "should not be dismissed from service."

Samsung did not return a request for comment. Last week, the business told Reuters in a statement that it has begun conversations with factory workers to "resolve all issues as soon as possible."

At least three striking Samsung employees verified to Reuters that they received Friday's warning email from the HR staff.

The email further stated that Samsung management has suggested that any concerns may be handled through negotiations.

According to the strong labor organization CITU, which has helped mobilize manufacturing workers, Samsung employees earn an average of Rs 25,000 per month. They are asking a Rs 36,000 rise over three years.

Samsung is unwilling to recognize any union supported by a national labor organization like as CITU, and negotiations with workers and state officials have generated no results.