Plantation workers refuse to provide increased wages

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when the plantation labour committee meet is scheduled to convene tomorrow, the plantation workers Sunday withdrew from the settlement made with the government. The plantation workers made clear that they cannot provide the increased wages and the bonus.

Addressing a press meet, the estate owners said they accepted the directions at the plantation labour committee meetings held in October in order to help the government.  

It was alleged earlier that the plantation workers and the government are trying to cheat others. As per the agreement, daily wages in the tea sector were increased from Rs 231 to Rs301, in the cardamom sector from Rs .267 to Rs335 and in the rubber industry from Rs 312 to Rs 381. Accepted the directions of the PLC to help
the government. Reached an agreement with the government considering the then political situation and taking into account the local body polls.  The government had given some assurances to the estate owners. However none of them was executed.  

A three-year package was made earlier and it should be made to four years. Not only that, the owners explained that a decision on things including an increase in wages can be taken only after four years. Taking into account the fall in price of tea and rubber, the wage increase is not at all practical. The estate workers had staged a strike for 17 days from September 28 demanding a minimum wage of Rs 500. A deal was taken after six round of talks held with the government.

Will not agree to withdraw from deal, says Shibu Baby John
Labour Minister Shibu Baby John said they should adhere the terms of the agreement made with the government. Will not permit the owners to withdraw. A deal was taken at the meet held between the chief minister and the representatives. The bonus is as per the bonus act. If there is a move to use pressure tactics, then the government will have to find some other way, he said.

Pembilai Orumai, an organization of women workers said they will shift their venue to the secretariat if the estate workers withdraw from the agreement. A strike will not be staged in Munnar again. They said they will join hands with anyone cooperating with them.