Tea Garden Workers in Alipurduar Stage Protest Over Unpaid Wages, Bonus & Allowances
The protesters demanded that Merico management provide a written, time-bound commitment to clear at least the outstanding wages, which have been pending for between three and seven fortnights in various gardens.
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Tea garden workers employed at estates run by Marico in North Bengal’s Dooars region launched a united protest on Monday under the banner of Chai Mazdoor Ekta Andolan, demanding immediate payment of long-pending wages and statutory dues.
According to Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity, workers have not been paid wages for periods ranging from three to seven fortnights. They have also accused the management of illegally withholding provident fund, gratuity, and bonus amounts. Around 300 workers held a peaceful “Dooars Kanya Chalo” dharna, pressing the company to issue a written and time-bound commitment to clear at least the outstanding wages.
Worker representatives said denial of wages was not only illegal but amounted to a violation of the constitutional right to life and dignity, as families dependent on tea garden employment are being pushed into hunger and distress.
A delegation of workers attempted to meet the District Magistrate and the Additional District Magistrate (Land Reforms) of Alipurduar, but officials reportedly declined to meet them, citing preoccupation with an Election Commission of India visit. The Deputy Labour Commissioner later met the delegation but, according to workers, expressed helplessness and failed to provide any concrete assurance.
Union leaders described the response as symptomatic of an administration unable or unwilling to discipline defaulting employers. The protest intensified as nearly 200 women workers decided to continue their sit-in through the night in the open cold at Dooars Kanya, refusing to withdraw until their demands are addressed.
The protest has drawn attention to a sharp contrast unfolding in the region. While workers remain unpaid and hungry, the district administration is preparing for the Dooars Utsav, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, a festival aimed at showcasing the culture and natural beauty of Dooars.
Labour groups warned that any attempt by police to forcibly remove the women protesters at night would cause serious embarrassment to the administration, particularly with the festival underway. They demanded immediate intervention by the state government to ensure payment of dues and protection of workers’ rights.
