Tea Garden Workers in West Bengal Protest for Higher Bonus
In Darjeeling, West Bengal, tea garden workers are protesting against the state government’s advisory to accept a 16% bonus instead of the 20% they demand. The workers have organized a Chakka Jam movement in several areas, including Kurseong.
Protest Details
According to trade union leader Surendra Tamang, the workers are demanding a 20% bonus. A fifth round of tripartite talks on the bonus issue ended without an agreement. The meeting was held at Siliguri’s Sramik Bhawan between worker unions, planters, and the state labor department.
Voices from the Protest
Gracy Rai, a protester, said, “The state government is not increasing the bonus for tea gardeners. Despite repeated demands of twenty percent of their wages, the government is indifferent towards their demands.”
Trade union leader Bikram Rai added, “The protestors are hell-bent on sticking to their demands. Our demands are genuine, and we urge the government to listen to us. We will not back down until the government fulfills our demands for an enhanced bonus. We will intensify our agitation and force the government to comply.”
Government’s Stand
On October 1, 2024, the West Bengal government issued an advisory to tea garden managements to pay a 16% bonus to workers in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong Hills. However, the workers’ unions remained unmoved and threatened to intensify their agitation. The state government said that the 16% bonus was an industry-wide settlement, and that disbursement had already begun in North Bengal.
Economic Impact
The tea industry is a major economic driver for Darjeeling and North Bengal, with over 500,000 people directly or indirectly involved.
Doubts Revealed
Tea Garden Workers -: Tea garden workers are people who work in tea plantations, where tea leaves are grown and harvested. They do tasks like picking tea leaves, processing them, and preparing them for sale.
West Bengal -: West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It is known for its rich culture, history, and famous places like Kolkata and Darjeeling.
Protest -: A protest is when people come together to show that they are unhappy about something. They might carry signs, shout slogans, or block roads to get attention and demand changes.
Bonus -: A bonus is extra money given to workers in addition to their regular salary. It is often given as a reward for good work or during special occasions like festivals.
Darjeeling -: Darjeeling is a town in West Bengal, famous for its tea gardens and beautiful views of the Himalayas. It is a popular tourist destination.
Trade Union Leaders -: Trade union leaders are people who represent the workers in a group called a trade union. They help workers get better pay, working conditions, and other benefits.
Chakka Jam -: Chakka Jam is a form of protest where people block roads and stop vehicles from moving. It is done to draw attention to their demands and put pressure on authorities.
Kurseong -: Kurseong is a small town near Darjeeling in West Bengal. It is also known for its tea gardens and scenic beauty.
State Government -: The state government is the group of people who manage the affairs of a state like West Bengal. They make laws, provide services, and look after the well-being of the people in the state.
Industry-wide Settlement -: An industry-wide settlement is an agreement that applies to all businesses in a particular industry, like tea gardens. It sets common rules or benefits for all workers in that industry.