Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha condemns provocation over bonus protests at Powai tea estate, workers deprived of wages

Harinanda Gorh, Secretary of the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangh (ACMS) Margherita branch, addressed the media on Thursday regarding the turmoil that unfolded at Powai Tea Estate on September 24th and 25th over the contentious issue of worker bonuses. The protests, which halted operations at the estate for two days, were attributed to the actions of local leaders, Rupesh Tanti and Nirmal Das Kalandi.

Gorh explained that the agitation was instigated by Tanti and Kalandi, who allegedly misled the workers into protesting without a full understanding of the situation. As a result, the workers were left without wages for two days—a loss Gorh firmly places on the shoulders of the two leaders. "The workers were deceived, and because of that, their hard-earned wages were forfeited for those days," said Gorh.

The ACMS, while expressing solidarity with the workers, issued a stern warning to Tanti and Kalandi. “If they continue to manipulate the emotions of the tea garden workers, they will face serious consequences under the law," Gorh stated emphatically.

Following the unrest, a resolution was reached on October 3rd between the management of Powai Tea Estate and the ACMS Margherita branch. An agreement was signed, securing a 20 per cent bonus for the workers of Powai Tea Estate for the upcoming Durga Puja, bringing a measure of relief to the labor force after the disruption.

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