The Himalayan Plantation Workers' Union affiliated to the GNLF
demonstrated in front of the assistant labour commissioner's office in
Darjeeling on Tuesday, demanding proper implementation of provisions of
the Plantation Labour Act, 1950 in tea gardens.
"We demand that the provisions of PL Act be followed in letter
and spirit. Workers are entitled to firewood if they work for 120 days
annually but the management of gardens has raised the criterion to 180
days," said J.B. Tamang, the general secretary of the union.
The GNLF union has also demanded implementation of minimum
wages in the tea industry, immediate disbursal of gratuity dues by many
gardens, revision of LTA in gardens and payment of salary during the
three month strike period to GTA employees.
"We will stop the dispatch of tea if our demands are not met
by April 20. We will also lay siege to GTA offices on the salary issue,"
said Tamang.
The Telegraph