CITU Demands Higher Wages for North Bengal Tea Workers

The Paschim Dinajpur Tea Garden Workers Union, affiliated with CITU, submitted a 20-point charter of demands to tea garden owners, managers, and directors in North Dinajpur district on Monday. The organization is calling for immediate attention to the financial challenges faced by tea plantation workers in the region.

Details of the Demands Submitted

The protest and submission program was led by organization president Swapan Guha Niyogi and secretary Kartik Sheel. The union stated that bilateral and tripartite meetings regarding wage reviews have been stalled for a long time. According to the union, the current wages are insufficient to cover the rising cost of living for workers. The 20-point list includes a demand to increase the minimum daily wage to 660 rupees for all tea garden workers.

Additional Benefits and Employment Rights

Beyond wage increases, the union has demanded several essential benefits for the workforce. These include guaranteed permanent employment and consistent Provident Fund (PF) facilities for all laborers. The union also requested the immediate filling of vacant positions, equal pay for equal work, free medical facilities, maternity leave, and increased ration allowances. Furthermore, the organization is seeking clarity and improvements regarding bonus payments and gratuity benefits.

Future Course of Action

Union leaders issued a warning stating that if these demands are not met promptly, they will launch a large-scale protest across all tea gardens in the district. They have called upon all workers to remain united to secure their labor rights. The management has received the list of demands, and the union is currently awaiting a formal response regarding the next steps for negotiation.