The Struggle of TANTEA Workers in Tamil Nadu

 TANTEA is a tea estate in Valparai of Nilgiri Hills, owned by the Tamil Nadu state government. The workers of this estate have been demanding dignified working conditions and increase in wages. AICCTU has formed a union in TANTEA, mainly of women involved in plucking tea leaves, to raise the issue of rights of workers who toil to keep the estate running.

 AICCTU has carried out a series of agitational programs on the demands of the workers. When the TN state government decided to close down this tea industry, it was vehemently opposed by all stakeholders including AICCTU. The state government dropped the move in the face of stiff opposition.

AICCTU also raised the issue of abysmal wages drawn by workers which is much less than their counterparts in private tea estates. The houses built for workers in the estate have become inhabitable due to lack of renovation. Workers are being forced to live in inhuman conditions. The AICCTU is demanding the right to dignified housing for workers. AICCTU took up a campaign demanding increase in wages, immediate renovation of workers’ quarters and Bonus in Valparai and Nilgiris.

 In the meantime, the Minister for Forest of TN Government visited Valparai estate and assured workers that the demands of workers will be sympathetically considered. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Stalin also announced a 20% bonus for all state PSUs including TANTEA on the eve of Deepavali. He also increased the wages of TANTEA workers to Rs.438 from Rs.375.

After the increase in wages, the TANTEA management instructed plucking of 45 kg of tea whereas the private estate workers are plucking only 35 kg per day. The unions are demanding to end this discrimination and negotiations are on to settle the issue.

AICCTU is resolved to strengthen unionisation among plantation workers including rubber plantation for better working and living conditions.