Negotiations Fail to Resolve Bonus Rate in Hill Tea Gardens- Controversy on 16.5 pc

EOI, DARJEELING, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 : Despite four rounds of meetings, the management of tea gardens and trade unions in the hills have failed to reach an agreement on the Puja bonus rate for workers. On Wednesday, the Darjeeling Tea Association and the Indian Tea Association, representing the owners of 87 tea gardens in the region, proposed a 12 percent bonus. However, eight trade unions affiliated with various political parties, invited by the labor department for negotiations, rejected this proposal, insisting on a 20 percent bonus for the workers.

In the initial meeting, the management proposed an 8.33 percent bonus, which is the statutory rate, stating that no further negotiations would take place. However, following threats of a bandh by the trade unions, the management agreed to resume talks. In subsequent meetings, the management suggested an increase of 1.3 percent over the initial 8.33 percent, but this was again rejected by the unions.

The Parwatiya Shramik Sangathan Samavaya Manch (PSSSM), comprising trade unions from various political parties in the hills, has decided to organize a rally to showcase the strength of tea garden workers on September 27, along with gate meetings to increase pressure on management.

"The DTA and ITA proposed a 12 percent bonus, which we did not accept. Our demand is 20 percent. The management cited low production and absenteeism as reasons for their bargaining stance. However, we will not budge from our demand. Our ongoing agitation will continue, and we hope the state government will invite us for talks soon," said J.B. Tamang, representing the trade union affiliated with the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha.

GJM President Bimal Gurung, speaking to reporters, claimed he had insider information that the management would settle for a 16.5 percent bonus, suggesting that various political parties should contribute to the bonus percentage. "I have inside information that the management will only give a 16.5 percent bonus. This is not enough for the workers during the Puja festivities. I propose that the BGPM contribute three percent while we, along with the GNLF and HP, will contribute one percent," he said.

In response, the BGPM accused Gurung of misleading the public and siding with the tea garden management. "It seems the GJM is colluding with the management. The workers have worked hard to increase the production of our world-famous tea leaves. How can he (Gurung) state it’s 16.5 percent when negotiations are still ongoing?" questioned BGPM Vice President Satish Pokharel. He emphasized that no political party is obligated to contribute to the bonus, as it is the responsibility of the management.

"It is the duty and responsibility of the owners to provide the bonus. As a political party, we will fight for the welfare of the people. We will be happy if the GJM advocates for increasing the bonus to 20 percent. We are clear that we will not accept anything less than a 20 percent bonus," said the BGPM Vice President.

Currently, of the 87 tea gardens, seven have been fully closed since 2023, while three are partially operational. Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events, the management of the Singtom tea garden has abandoned the garden without prior notice.