Assam tea workers stage protest over living conditions and payment of gratuity in Tinsukia

On June 7, the ACMS Margherita branch committee held an hour-long sit-in at the Dehing Tea Estate in Margherita, Tinsukia district, to voice grievances that have long been ignored.

The workers, including retired employees from 2023-24 who have yet to receive their gratuity, expressed their frustrations over poor living conditions, lack of promotions, and unfilled vacancies.

"We have been raising our concerns for a long time, but our demands continue to be ignored and neglected. This is why we are protesting in every tea garden. Retired workers from 2023-24 have not yet received their gratuity. Additionally, our worker housing, including bathrooms, is in a deplorable condition. No new workers have been hired to fill the vacant positions, and promotions are also among our demands," said one protester.

The demonstrators shouted various slogans against the management, highlighting long-standing issues such as the dilapidated state of worker quarters and the recent stoppage of water supply amid the scorching heat.

Workers accused the management of halting water delivery to save on diesel costs for tractors carrying water tanks.

Furthermore, workers complained about the lack of essential supplies, including slippers, umbrellas, firewood, and tarpaulins, as well as having to perform their duties in hazardous conditions, facing threats from poisonous snakes and reptiles. They also alleged exploitation by the estate manager, Mohammad Noorshad Alam.

Despite numerous appeals, the workers have not received their provident fund and gratuity money even after two years of retirement.

The protestors have announced that if their demands are not met promptly, they will stage another protest on June 12th at Dehing Tea Estate.