Tea workers get ‘weapon’ for their rights

SNS, Siliguri, 22 May 2014: The state labour department today published a book on survey reports of 273 of the 276 organised tea estates that engulfs the entire prevailing situation, while it also plans to safeguard the interests of plantation workers as per the Plantation Labour Act-1951.

State labour minister Purnendu Basu and north Bengal development minister Gautam Deb unveiled the book at a luxurious and air-conditioned hotel in Siliguri today, where hundreds of workers from organized and unorganized sectors were present to receive assistance under various social security schemes.The labour department titled the programme as ‘May Day,’ having failed to observe the day earlier because of the election model code of conduct. “The book based on a detailed survey of the present situation in the tea plantations will be a key ‘weapon’ for labourers when they demand their rights as per the Plantation Labour Act,” minister Basu said.

He added that the book would help other authorities concerned, including the Tea Board and even the planters’ body in taking up measures in the interest of the tea workers.

“This ready reckoner will also help us when we start discussing with planters to bargain for tea workers’ benefit schemes which should be provided by the planters,” Mr Basu said, adding, “The survey report of all the 273 tea estates would play a key role during discussions for wage fixation. The third tripartite talks for tea workers’ wage settlement would be held in Siliguri shortly.”

Addressing the programme, Mr Basu claimed: “There is only a ‘no’ for workers’ legitimate claims which must be provided by the planters. No drinking water, no electricity, no group hospital, no ration, no suitable quarters, no minimum wage. There is only ‘no’ in the tea plantations and the social life of tea workers has not changed. They are leading their lives like in the medieval period.”