In Tamil Nadu, India, more than 1,500 workers at Samsung Electronics’ factory in Chennai have been on strike for 11 days. They want their new labor union, Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU), to be recognized so they can negotiate for better pay and working conditions. This strike is one of the biggest for Samsung recently and shows how workers are fighting for their rights as India becomes a key place for making things.

Samsung India says it cares about its workers and is talking to them to solve the issues quickly. The workers, who make around 25,000 rupees a month, want their pay to go up by 50% over three years. They also say they are made to work for a long time in unsafe conditions. But Samsung denies this, saying they follow labor laws.

The workers want their union to be recognized, to bargain together, and not to have other unions. Most workers support SILWU. This strike shows the bigger problem of workers’ rights in India, where big companies are watched closely for how they treat workers. Experts say foreign companies might try different ways to stop unions, like making their own unions to keep control.

The situation at Samsung’s Chennai factory shows how labor relations in India can be tricky. While Samsung says it wants to fix things, the workers are sticking to their demands for better conditions and fair treatment. As talks go on, both sides are trying to find a way to solve the workers’ problems and make sure everyone has a good and fair workplace. This strike by Samsung workers also highlights the struggles faced by workers in big companies in India and the growing call for fair treatment and better conditions. The outcome of this strike could have a big impact on how workers are treated in India’s factories.

Original news source: Why hundreds of Samsung workers are protesting in India (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to work in pairs and summarize the news article about the Samsung workers’ strike in Tamil Nadu, India. Each pair should come up with a concise summary of the main points of the article. After a few minutes, have pairs share their summaries with the class.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article on separate pieces of paper. Divide the class into two teams. One student from each team will come to the board to pick a word and draw it while their team tries to guess the word. Set a time limit for each round and award points for correct guesses.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of questions related to the Samsung workers’ strike, such as “Do you think the workers’ demands are reasonable?” or “Should companies like Samsung recognize labor unions?” Have students walk around the classroom and ask their classmates these questions, recording their answers. After a few minutes, gather the data and discuss the results as a class.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups: one representing the Samsung workers and the other representing Samsung India management. Each group should come up with a list of pros and cons related to the strike from their perspective. After a few minutes, have each group present their lists and encourage a discussion on the different viewpoints.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to work individually and write down their predictions for the outcome of the Samsung workers’ strike. Will the demands be met? Will the union be recognized? What impact will this strike have on labor relations in India? After giving them some time to write, have students share their predictions in pairs or small groups. Encourage them to discuss and justify their opinions.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Why have more than 1,500 workers at Samsung Electronics’ factory in Chennai been on strike for 11 days?
2. What is the name of the new labor union the workers want to be recognized?
3. How much do the workers currently make a month, and by how much do they want their pay to increase over three years?
4. Why do the workers say they are striking, according to the article?
5. Why do the workers want their union to be recognized and not have other unions?
6. What is the bigger problem highlighted by this strike according to the article?
7. Why do experts say foreign companies might try different ways to stop unions?
8. What are both sides trying to do as talks continue between the workers and Samsung?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

In Tamil Nadu, India, more than 1,500 workers at (1)______ Electronics’ (2)______ in Chennai have been on strike for 11 days. They want their new labor union, Samsung India Labour Welfare (3)______ (SILWU), to be recognized so they can negotiate for better pay and (4)______ conditions. This strike is one of the biggest for Samsung recently and shows how workers are fighting for their rights as India becomes a key place for making things.

Samsung India says it cares about its (5)______ and is talking to them to solve the issues quickly. The workers, who make around 25,000 rupees a month, want their pay to go up by 50% over three years. They also say they are made to work for a long time in unsafe conditions. But Samsung denies this, saying they follow (6)______ laws.

The workers want their union to be recognized, to (7)______ together, and not to have other (8)______. Most workers support SILWU. This strike shows the bigger problem of workers’ rights in India, where big companies are watched closely for how they treat workers. Experts say foreign companies might try different ways to stop unions, like (9)______ their own unions to keep control.

The (10)______ at Samsung’s Chennai factory shows how labor relations in India can be (11)______. While Samsung says it (12)______ to fix things, the workers are sticking to their demands for better conditions and fair treatment. As talks go on, both sides are (13)______ to find a way to (14)______ the workers’ (15)______ and make sure everyone has a good and fair workplace. This strike by Samsung workers also highlights the struggles faced by workers in big (16)______ in India and the growing call for fair treatment and better conditions. The outcome of this strike could have a big impact on how workers are treated in India’s factories.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What do you think about the workers at Samsung’s factory in India going on strike for better pay and working conditions?
2. How would you feel if you were a worker at Samsung’s factory in Chennai and had to work long hours in unsafe conditions?
3. Do you think it’s important for workers to have a labor union to negotiate for better pay and conditions? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think Samsung denies the workers’ claims about working in unsafe conditions and following labor laws?
5. How do you think the workers at Samsung’s factory feel about the company making around 25,000 rupees a month?
6. What is a labor union and why do you think the workers want their new union, SILWU, to be recognized?
7. Do you think foreign companies should be allowed to make their own unions to control workers? Why or why not?
8. How do you think the workers at Samsung’s factory in India are trying to make sure they have a good and fair workplace?
9. Why do you think big companies in India are watched closely for how they treat their workers?
10. How do you think the outcome of this strike by Samsung workers could impact how workers are treated in India’s factories in the future?
11. Do you believe that workers in all countries should have the right to strike for better pay and working conditions? Why or why not?
12. How do you think the workers’ demands for a 50% pay increase over three years could affect Samsung’s business in India?
13. What do you think are some other ways workers can ensure they are treated fairly by their employers?
14. Do you think it’s fair for companies to try different ways to stop unions from forming? Why or why not?
15. How important do you think it is for workers to have a voice in their workplace and be able to negotiate for better conditions?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. negotiate
2. recognized
3. conditions
4. unions
5. experts
6. relations
7. demands
8. highlights
9. outcome
10. impact
11. treatment
12. factories
13. strike
14. bargain
15. foreign

Meanings:
(A) Groups of workers who join together to protect their rights
(B) The way in which two or more people or groups behave towards each other
(C) The situation or environment in which something happens
(D) The result or effect of an action or situation
(E) A period when workers stop working to protest
(F) To discuss terms in order to reach an agreement
(G) From another country or nation
(H) The influence or effect that something has
(I) To make something more noticeable or important
(J) People who have a lot of knowledge or skill in a particular area
(K) Strong requests or needs
(L) Buildings where goods are manufactured or assembled
(M) Officially accepted or acknowledged
(N) To discuss something in order to reach an agreement
(O) The way someone is dealt with or cared for
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Where are the Samsung Electronics workers on strike?
(a) Beijing, China
(b) Tamil Nadu, India
(c) Seoul, South Korea
(d) Tokyo, Japan

2. What do the workers want their new labor union, SILWU, to be recognized for?
(a) Negotiating for better pay and working conditions
(b) Organizing strikes every month
(c) Hosting company parties
(d) Providing free lunches for workers

3. How long have the Samsung workers been on strike?
(a) 5 days
(b) 11 days
(c) 20 days
(d) 2 weeks

4. How much do the workers currently make per month?
(a) Around 25,000 rupees
(b) Around 10,000 rupees
(c) Around 50,000 rupees
(d) Around 5,000 rupees

5. What do the workers want their pay to increase by over three years?
(a) 10%
(b) 100%
(c) 25%
(d) 50%

6. What do the workers want to be able to do with their union?
(a) Go on vacation together
(b) Start a book club
(c) Bargain together
(d) Play sports together

7. What do experts say foreign companies might do to stop unions?
(a) Support workers’ rights
(b) Increase workers’ pay
(c) Make their own unions
(d) Provide better working conditions

8. What is the main focus of the strike at Samsung’s Chennai factory?
(a) Asking for longer working hours
(b) Requesting more vacation days
(c) Seeking higher job positions
(d) Demanding better conditions and fair treatment

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The workers, who earn around 25,000 rupees a month, are asking for a 50% pay decrease over three years.
2. The workers do not want their union to be recognized, to bargain collectively, and to exclude other unions.
3. The strike at Samsung’s Chennai factory reflects the broader issue of workers’ rights in India, where companies are closely monitored for their treatment of employees.
4. Samsung India claims to care about its workers and is in talks to resolve the issues quickly.
5. The workers allege they are made to work in safe conditions for long hours, but Samsung denies this, stating they follow labor laws.
6. The workers are demanding recognition for their new labor union, Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU), to negotiate for better pay and working conditions.
7. Less than 1,500 workers at Samsung Electronics’ factory in Chennai, India, have been on strike for 11 days.
8. The outcome of the strike could significantly impact how workers are treated in Indian factories.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. Why are the workers at Samsung Electronics’ factory in Chennai on strike?
2. What are the workers asking for in terms of pay and working conditions?
3. Why is it important for the workers to have their new labor union recognized?
4. How is Samsung responding to the workers’ demands?
5. What impact could the outcome of this strike have on workers in India’s factories?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Why have more than 1,500 workers at Samsung Electronics’ factory in Chennai been on strike for 11 days?
– The workers are on strike because they want their new labor union, Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU), to be recognized so they can negotiate for better pay and working conditions.

2. What is the name of the new labor union the workers want to be recognized?
– The new labor union the workers want to be recognized is Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU).

3. How much do the workers currently make a month, and by how much do they want their pay to increase over three years?
– The workers currently make around 25,000 rupees a month, and they want their pay to increase by 50% over three years.

4. Why do the workers say they are striking, according to the article?
– The workers say they are striking because they want better pay and working conditions, as they feel they are made to work for a long time in unsafe conditions.

5. Why do the workers want their union to be recognized and not have other unions?
– The workers want their union to be recognized so they can bargain together for their rights and not have other unions because most workers support SILWU.

6. What is the bigger problem highlighted by this strike according to the article?
– The strike highlights the bigger problem of workers’ rights in India, where big companies are closely watched for how they treat their workers.

7. Why do experts say foreign companies might try different ways to stop unions?
– Experts say foreign companies might try different ways to stop unions, like making their own unions, to keep control over the situation.

8. What are both sides trying to do as talks continue between the workers and Samsung?
– Both sides are trying to find a way to solve the workers’ problems and ensure a good and fair workplace as talks continue between the workers and Samsung.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Samsung
(2) factory
(3) Union
(4) working
(5) workers
(6) labor
(7) bargain
(8) unions
(9) making
(10) situation
(11) tricky
(12) wants
(13) trying
(14) solve
(15) problems
(16) companies
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. negotiate
Answer: (N) To discuss something in order to reach an agreement

2. recognized
Answer: (M) Officially accepted or acknowledged

3. conditions
Answer: (C) The situation or environment in which something happens

4. unions
Answer: (A) Groups of workers who join together to protect their rights

5. experts
Answer: (J) People who have a lot of knowledge or skill in a particular area

6. relations
Answer: (B) The way in which two or more people or groups behave towards each other

7. demands
Answer: (K) Strong requests or needs

8. highlights
Answer: (I) To make something more noticeable or important

9. outcome
Answer: (D) The result or effect of an action or situation

10. impact
Answer: (H) The influence or effect that something has

11. treatment
Answer: (O) The way someone is dealt with or cared for

12. factories
Answer: (L) Buildings where goods are manufactured or assembled

13. strike
Answer: (E) A period when workers stop working to protest

14. bargain
Answer: (F) To discuss terms in order to reach an agreement

15. foreign
Answer: (G) From another country or nation
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Where are the Samsung Electronics workers on strike?
Answer: (b) Tamil Nadu, India

2. What do the workers want their new labor union, SILWU, to be recognized for?
Answer: (a) Negotiating for better pay and working conditions

3. How long have the Samsung workers been on strike?
Answer: (b) 11 days

4. How much do the workers currently make per month?
Answer: (a) Around 25,000 rupees

5. What do the workers want their pay to increase by over three years?
Answer: (d) 50%

6. What do the workers want to be able to do with their union?
Answer: (c) Bargain together

7. What do experts say foreign companies might do to stop unions?
Answer: (c) Make their own unions

8. What is the main focus of the strike at Samsung’s Chennai factory?
Answer: (d) Demanding better conditions and fair treatment
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The workers, who earn around 25,000 rupees a month, are asking for a 50% pay decrease over three years. (Answer: False)
2. The workers do not want their union to be recognized, to bargain collectively, and to exclude other unions. (Answer: False)
3. The strike at Samsung’s Chennai factory reflects the broader issue of workers’ rights in India, where companies are closely monitored for their treatment of employees. (Answer: True)
4. Samsung India claims to care about its workers and is in talks to resolve the issues quickly. (Answer: True)
5. The workers allege they are made to work in safe conditions for long hours, but Samsung denies this, stating they follow labor laws. (Answer: False)
6. The workers are demanding recognition for their new labor union, Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU), to negotiate for better pay and working conditions. (Answer: True)
7. Less than 1,500 workers at Samsung Electronics’ factory in Chennai, India, have been on strike for 11 days. (Answer: False)
8. The outcome of the strike could significantly impact how workers are treated in Indian factories. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧