Title: Workers in Sri Lanka’s Tea Estates Struggle for Fair Wages
Introduction:
S. Padmavathy, a worker in Sri Lanka’s tea estates, expresses frustration over the recent wage increase of 50 rupees (approximately 335 INR) for estate workers. Despite this modest increase, she questions the significance of the change.
Details:
Padmavathy, along with thousands of other workers, protested for weeks to demand a daily wage of 1,000 rupees. The workers were part of a collective agreement signed by regional plantation companies and labor unions in September. The new agreement, however, offers little hope for improvement.
Worker Perspectives:
L. Kanagasivam, a worker in Hatton, describes the living conditions in the tea estates. His home, with a rusty tin-sheet roof, is a stark reminder of the lack of basic amenities and support from the companies.
Government Response:
The Sri Lankan government, in response to widespread protests, echoed employers’ fears about a crisis in the country’s plantation sector. The government argues that the current wage increase is fair, despite the economic challenges faced by the tea industry.
Community Struggles:
Estate workers, who have been toiling in Sri Lanka’s tea estates for over a century, face significant challenges. Deprived of basic education, healthcare, and decent living conditions, they struggle to improve their lives.
Personal Struggles:
Ms. Padmavathy, a 43-year-old single mother, supports three school-going children. During the rainy season, she faces the challenge of dealing with leeches, which can disrupt her work.
Political Perspectives:
M. Krishnakumar, a worker, highlights the difficulties faced by women in the workforce. He expresses a lack of faith in political parties, stating that he is a member only to gain some platform to organize workers.
Employer Perspective:
Kanishka Weerasinghe, Director General of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, argues that the new wage package is fair, despite the economic challenges faced by the tea industry. He notes that companies have increased wages "considering the situation of the workers."
Union and Activist Views:
Vethilingam Mahendran, national organiser of the New-Democratic Marxist-Leninist Party, emphasizes the importance of continuing to demand what is rightfully theirs. He believes that the recent mobilization was one of the biggest in the region and should not be allowed to fade away.
Conclusion:
The struggle for fair wages continues in Sri Lanka’s tea estates, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by workers in this sector. The recent wage increase, while modest, does not address the broader issues faced by the community.
Reference : https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Wage-hike-of-little-help-for-Sri-Lankan-estate-workers/article16666860.ece
