Tea workers on strike over bonus: Mamata refuses to intervene, says Labour Commission to decide

Says bonus issue was resolved by her govt, calls present deadlock ‘politically motivated’.

the bandh had minimal impact in Darjeeling city, with most shops remaining open and the police intervening to disperse protesters who attempted to forcibly close businesses. (File/ Representational Photo)

Refusing to intervene in the ongoing deadlock between tea garden workers and the management over bonus hike, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said the issue was “politically motivated” and the Labour Commission would resolve it.

The tea garden workers in the Terai-Dooars region of West Bengal are demanding a 20 per cent bonus, while the tea garden management is offering them 13 percent. On Monday, eight tea worker organisations jointly began a 12-hour strike.

“I don’t support any strike. A tripartite meeting is going on with the Labour Commissioner regarding the demands of the tea garden workers. They will decide (the matter),” the chief minister told mediapersons in Siliguri before leaving for Kolkata.

When asked if she would intervene, the CM said: “No, I cannot interfere. The Labour Commissioner will sort it out after meeting them.”

Alleging that “a few people are trying to disturb it politically”, the chief minister said the issue of bonus hike “has already been resolved”.

But the labour unions of the tea workers argued that the government’s proposed 16 per cent bonus for high-producing tea gardens and 9 per cent for others does not adequately represent the concerns and demands of the workers. The organisations claimed that a Sunday meeting with tea garden owners was “unsuccessful” as their demands were not met.

Senior trade union leader Saman Pathak said, “A 13 per cent bonus offered by the management is not acceptable. We demand not less than 20 per cent.”

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In the 2022-23 fiscal, the tea industry had settled for a bonus payout of 19 per cent, he said.

The Tea Association of India (TAI), on the other hand, said the industry has been passing through a severe financial crisis for a prolonged period.

Anuradha Talwar, a trade union activist, accused the TMC government of “step-motherly treatment” towards tea garden workers.

Meanwhile, the bandh had a minimal impact in Darjeeling city, with most shops remaining open and the police intervening to disperse protesters who attempted to forcibly close businesses.

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In Kurseong and Kalimpong, bandh supporters tried to disrupt tourist activities but were also swiftly dispersed by the police.

The Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), the ruling party in the Greater Terai Area (GTA), has expressed solidarity with the tea workers. While not explicitly supporting the strike, BGPM leader Shaktiprasad Sharma said that his party stands with tea workers.

— With PTI Inputs

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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