Turmoil in the Hills: Tea Workers Strike Over Bonus Dispute; "I Do Not Support Strike" – CM

KalimNews, September 30, 2024, Siliguri: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee firmly stated, "I do not support the strike. As the tripartite meeting is ongoing, they will decide for themselves, and I cannot interfere," while departing for Kolkata from Bagdogra International Airport on Monday afternoon.

Amid her visit to North Bengal, tea workers' unions initiated a 12-hour strike in the hills of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik and Terai region near SIliguri starting Monday morning, significantly impacting tourists and local residents.

Responding to reporters' inquiries, Chief Minister Banerjee strongly condemned the strike, asserting, "There is no strike happening anywhere. We do not support any strike. Some individuals in Terai-Dooars are attempting to create unrest in the hills for political reasons. The Labor Commission will decide on the bonus issue, and we will not interfere."

The tea garden workers are demanding a bonus of 20%, while the garden owners are only willing to offer 13%. Despite several negotiations between the two parties, no progress has been made, prompting eight tea workers' unions, with support from others, to call for a strike to press their demands.

Commuters having lunch provided by strike supporters at Ambiok Tea garden: Photo source: Souraj Butang Rai

The ongoing bonus issue has adversely affected tourist flow to the hills during the post-monsoon and Puja holidays. In response, the state government is taking steps to resolve the matter, instructing the Labor Department to facilitate discussions between both parties to restore normalcy.

The Chief Secretary has already engaged with the Labor Commissioners and other officials to address the situation. Meanwhile, police have been actively working to maintain public order in the hills.

The strike was largely observed in the hills and plains, with the exception of Kalimpong town. In several tea gardens across the district, picketers from various trade unions actively participated, urging others to join the strike. Notably, workers at Ambiok Tea Garden halted all vehicles on Lava Gorubathan Road for the entire day, and provided food and support to stranded passengers and vehicle staff.

Raju Bista commented on the Chief Minister's statement, calling it "extremely unfortunate" that she refused to intervene on behalf of the tea garden workers. He described the strike as a necessary measure after the tea industry, the West Bengal Labor Department, and the government failed to address the workers' concerns. "Had the West Bengal government proactively addressed the workers' demands and resolved the bonus issue, they wouldn't have needed to take to the streets in protest," he added.