Hill Tea Garden Workers Reject 16% Bonus Offer Amid Rising Tensions

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 1, 2024, Siliguri: In a decisive move, tea garden workers in the hill regions of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong and Terai have rejected the government-recommended 16% bonus proposed by tea garden owners for the financial year 2023-24. This decision follows an advisory issued by the state’s Labour Department, which directed garden owners to disburse the bonus by October 4.

The Labour Department's notice for the fifth round of meeting, issued hastily, was communicated to stakeholders late last night, prompting an urgent meeting among tea garden management, trade unions, and government representatives. However, the timing of the meeting coincided with reports from PTI which prematurely revealed details of the advisory, leading to heightened tension among the workers.

The advisory aimed to maintain parity within the tea industry, as gardens in the Dooars and Terai regions had already committed to paying a 16% bonus. Despite this, the Parbatiya Shramik Sangathan Samanvaya Manch (PSSSM), which comprises eight labor unions affiliated with various political parties, firmly rejected the proposal. The unions are now planning a mass rally and public meeting on October 2 in Darjeeling to protest against the decision. 

The eight unions are Bangiya Cha Marzdoor Sangha, Darjeeling District Chia Kaman Mazdoor Union, Darjeeling Terai Dooars Chia Kaman Mazdoor Union, Darjeeling Terai Dooars Plantation Labour Union, Hill Terai Dooars Plantation Workers Union, Himalayan Plantation Workers Union, Hamro Hill Terai Dooars Chiyabari Shramik Sangh, and Trinamool Cha Bagan Shramik Union. 

Saman Pathak, a leader of the PSSSM, stated, "We will fight for our right to a 20% bonus against both the owners and the government. This is a do-or-die situation for every worker." The unions argue that the proposed bonus does not meet the needs of the workers and their families, who have been facing increasing financial pressures.

While some tea gardens have begun transferring the 16% bonus to workers' bank accounts, the overall response has been mixed, with many workers remaining steadfast in their demands for a higher rate. The government, meanwhile, has urged both management and trade unions to work together to maintain industrial peace and harmony, emphasizing that workers and their families should not suffer due to the ongoing impasse.

In cases where gardens are financially stressed, the government has indicated that the bonus rate may be negotiated at a bipartite level, involving discussions between management and trade unions.

As tensions rise and workers prepare for the upcoming rally, the situation in the tea gardens of Hills and Terai remains precarious, with the potential for further escalation if their demands are not met.