Concerns Rise Over Durga Puja Bonus for Assam Tea Garden Workers
Protests Erupt Over Bonus Delays
Tea garden workers in Assam (Photo: AT)
DIBRUGARH, Sept 25: The anticipation of Durga Puja is overshadowed by uncertainty regarding the festival bonus for tea garden workers at Andrew Yule & Company in Assam. Workers are increasingly worried as the company has yet to announce the customary 20 percent bonus, despite the impending deadline for payment.
In response, employees from various estates including Basmatia, Tingkhong, Rajgarh, Disam, Khowang, Bamun, Hingrijan, Hoolunguree, Bogijan, and Murphulani staged protests outside their managers' offices on Thursday. They are demanding the immediate declaration of the bonus, insisting it be paid before October 5.
This protest is rooted in an agreement between tea garden management and workers' organizations, which stipulated that the bonus percentage should be disclosed by September 20, with payments completed by October 5, just ahead of the Durga Puja celebrations.
Protesters noted that nearly all other tea estates in the region have already announced a 20 percent bonus and have begun payments, while Andrew Yule & Company has not yet made any announcements.
The delay has heightened anxiety among the workers as the festival approaches. They chanted slogans such as “20 percent bonus must be paid,” “Bonus must be paid before October 5,” and “Our demands must be accepted,” urging the company to act swiftly.
Workers have called on garden managers to relay their demands to senior company officials promptly, emphasizing the need for their request for a 20 percent bonus to be addressed.
Furthermore, they warned that the management would be held accountable for any adverse situations that might arise if their demands are not met. Following the protests, the workers returned to their duties, with the demonstration organized by the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS).