16 Percent Bonus Confirmed for North Bengal Tea Workers (Plains)

KalimNews & Agencies, Kolkata and Nagarakata, September 20, 2024 : After intense negotiations, tea worker unions in North Bengal have agreed to a 16 percent bonus, a decision reached late Thursday night. The formal signing of the agreement is scheduled for Friday, marking a significant development in the ongoing discussions between tea garden owners and workers.

Arijit Raha, Secretary General of the Consultative Committee of Planters' Associations, announced, “The 16 percent bonus will be distributed to the workers by September 28.” This resolution follows a series of meetings that began Wednesday at a merchant association office in Kolkata, where talks had stalled, prompting further discussions on Thursday.

Initially, tea garden owners were only willing to offer a bonus of 11.5 percent. However, unions representing the workers stood firm, demanding no less than an 18 percent bonus. The urgency of the situation was underscored by last year's late-night contract signing, but this year’s negotiations concluded before midnight, showcasing a more efficient process.

Throughout Thursday, the owners’ proposal of a 15 percent bonus was swiftly rejected by the unions, leading to a more substantial offer of 16 percent after internal discussions among the owners. This compromise was accepted by the unions after extensive deliberation.

Nakul Sonar, Chairman of the Trinamool Tea Workers Union's central committee, commented, “This settlement has been made considering all aspects,” highlighting the importance of collaboration in reaching this agreement. Manoj Tiggaar, Chairman of the BJP-influenced Indian Tea Workers Union, emphasized, “We did not want any garden to shut down again over the bonus issue. All organizations needed to choose this middle path to protect the interests of both workers and owners.”

In addition to the bonus agreement, a meeting is scheduled for Friday to determine the bonuses for staff and sub-staff at the tea gardens, ensuring that all employees benefit from the negotiations.

The last two days of discussions involved representatives from all tea garden owner organizations and tea worker unions in North Bengal. Due to economic difficulties, certain gardens receive exemptions each year in these agreements, though the list of gardens eligible for this year's exemptions was not disclosed.

This agreement marks a hopeful moment for tea workers in the region, ensuring financial support as they continue their vital work in the tea industry.

This agreement has been reached after five rounds of meetings on Thursday night at 11 pm . While last year’s bonus was set at 19 per cent, this year, workers will receive a 16 per cent bonus. This agreement was accepted by the Central Committee of Plantations Association (CCPA) and all tea workers’ unions, considering the current challenges within the tea industry. 

A total of 176 tea gardens in the plains participated in the agreement. Of these, 104 gardens will distribute the 16 per cent bonus. However, 72 gardens classified as financially weak have requested to offer bonuses at a lower rate.