Darjeeling’s tea gardens have been brought to a standstill as tea workers initiated a strike, demanding a higher bonus ahead of the festive season. The ‘bandh’ was organized by the Tea Workers’ Protection Committee (Chiya Shramik Suraksha Samiti) following an inconclusive tripartite meeting with the Labour Department. According to The Statesman, the meeting, chaired by the Labour Commissioner, was held at Shramik Bhawan but failed to resolve the workers’ demands.
National Highway Blocked Amid Strike
The workers intensified their protest by blocking all major roads leading to the Darjeeling hill areas, effectively halting vehicular movement. However, exceptions were made for emergency services and tourists. The strike, which began at 6 AM, is expected to continue until Monday evening, causing significant disruptions in daily life and economic activities.
Protesters also blocked the National Highway at various key points, including Kurseong and Sukna, as reported by Siliguri Times. In these areas, vehicles were locked down to prevent movement, intensifying the effect of the strike on local communities and businesses.
Workers Demand 20% Bonus
The crux of the strike is the workers’ demand for a 20% bonus, which has been a long-standing issue for tea workers under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). During the meeting with Labour Department officials, trade union leaders stood firm on this demand.
The authorities and tea garden owners, including those under the Darjeeling Tea Association, have, however, expressed their inability to meet this demand, citing economic constraints. They have countered with a bonus offer that falls short of the workers’ expectations, further escalating tensions.
Bonus Agreement in Other Regions
In contrast to the deadlock in Darjeeling, the Tea Association of India (TAI) recently announced a bonus settlement for tea garden workers in the Dooars and Terai regions of north Bengal. According to PTI, workers in these regions will receive a 16% bonus for the financial year 2023-24. This agreement was reached after discussions between trade union representatives and the Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA), which represents the employers.
Despite this settlement in other areas, the situation in Darjeeling remains unresolved, and the strike continues to affect the livelihoods of thousands of workers, as well as the region’s tea production and economy. As the protest stretches on, both sides remain entrenched, with no immediate resolution in sight.
