North Bengal Tea Garden Workers Demand 20 Percent Bonus

Tea garden workers across North Bengal are demanding a 20 percent bonus ahead of the Durga Puja festival. Around 10 lakh permanent and temporary workers in approximately 300 tea gardens are waiting for the outcome of upcoming meetings between the state government and tea industry representatives.

Focus on Bonus Negotiations

Labor unions have clearly stated that they will not accept a bonus of less than 20 percent this year. The tea industry plays a vital role in the economy of North Bengal, supporting thousands of families in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and the Dooars region. For these families, the festival bonus is the primary financial support used for purchasing clothes and covering essential household expenses during Durga Puja.

Lessons From Previous Years

Last year, the state government intervened to help reach an agreement for a 20 percent bonus in most gardens. However, disputes arose as some gardens failed to pay on time or faced operational difficulties. Because some bonus-related issues from previous years remain unresolved, labor unions are taking a more cautious approach during this year's discussions to ensure timely payments.

Views of Stakeholders

Alipurduar MP and President of the Bharatiya Tea Workers Union, Manoj Tigga, has stated that workers deserve the 20 percent bonus. He emphasized that the best solution lies in open dialogue between the government, labor unions, and tea garden owners. He noted that any final decision must protect the interests of both the tea industry and the workers to avoid losses for any party involved in the process.