Tea workers' body to stage stir

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, May 7: The Akhil Bharatiya Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ABCMS) will stage a demonstration in front of the office of the State labour commissioner on May 11 to protest the oppressive policies of the tea companies and the silence of State government.

The ABCMS, a union affiliated to CITU, yesterday walked out of the meeting of the minimum wages board to register their protest.

They alleged that the tea companies have been adamant to implement the minimum wages agreed upon with the ACMS. “The State government lacks a strong will to counter the diktat of the companies,” it said.

According to the workers’ body, there have been six meeting of the government-constituted minimum wages board, but no head way has been made so far.

“The Consultative Committee of Planters Association (AAPA) has been repeatedly justifying the current wages citing the other amenities given in the gardens. This is nothing but a ploy to deprive the tea workers of their genuine wages. The CCPA has been trying to force the wage of Rs 115 agreed upon with the ACMS. But we strongly protest it,” the ABCMS said, demanding notification of the fresh wages as per the Minimum Wages Act.