Tea workers nationwide have been participating in protests for over a month, advocating for four key demands, with a daily wage of Tk 500 being the primary request. The other demands include the removal of the 2023 gazette, which restricts annual wage increases to 5 percent, the acknowledgment of land rights for tea communities, and the prompt organization of an election for the Bangladesh Tea Workers Union (BTWU).
Following the guidelines set in the 2023 gazette, the daily wage for tea workers was recently adjusted from Tk 187 to Tk 196, reflecting a meager increase of Tk 9. This raise is deemed insufficient by workers who stress the necessity of a Tk 500 daily wage to cover basic living expenses such as food, education, healthcare, clothing, and housing.
Historically, tea workers’ wages have been determined through periodic collective bargaining sessions occurring every two years. However, the 2023 gazette replaced this process with an annual 5 percent increment, resulting in nominal wage adjustments that fail to meet the workers’ financial needs. The call for a Tk 500 daily wage and the repeal of the 2023 gazette stems from this discontent among tea workers.
Additionally, the BTWU election, which has not been held since 2018, is a pressing concern for workers who suspect the current union leadership of prioritizing the interests of tea garden owners over those of the workers. Recent events, such as the arrest of Geeta Rani Kanu, a prominent figure in the Tk 500 wage movement, have raised suspicions of collusion between certain union leaders, tea garden owners, and the government to undermine the workers’ demands.
Tea garden owners often argue that the total value of benefits received by workers, in addition to the daily wage, surpasses Tk 500. However, according to the Bangladesh Labour Act, only rations can be considered as part of the wage, while other benefits such as housing, medical care, and contributions to provident funds cannot be included.
The living conditions of tea workers remain dire, with poverty prevalent in tea garden communities compared to the rest of the country. Inadequate access to sanitation, healthcare, and nutrition has led to high rates of diseases among tea workers and their families. Despite the challenging circumstances, tea workers continue to toil in the tea gardens, facing numerous hardships in their daily lives.
The disparity in wages between tea workers in Bangladesh and those in other regions, such as Sri Lanka and Kerala, raises questions about the fairness of compensation in the industry. The government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for tea workers, as highlighted in the Labour and Employment Minister’s statement, should be translated into concrete actions to address the workers’ grievances.
In conclusion, the demands put forth by tea workers, including a Tk 500 daily wage and land rights, should be acknowledged and acted upon promptly by the authorities. The well-being of the tea workers, who play a crucial role in the country’s tea production, should be a priority to ensure a fair and sustainable tea industry in Bangladesh.
