Tea workers protest demanding repeal of labour codes across Brahmaputra Valley

Dibrugarh, Feb 13: Responding to the nationwide general strike call issued by a joint platform of leading Central trade unions, tea garden workers across the Brahmaputra Valley observed a one-hour protest demonstration, demanding repeal of the four new labour codes enacted by the Central government.

The protest was organised on Thursday under the directive of the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), the recognised affiliate of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC).

Workers assembled within the premises of their respective tea garden offices, raising slogans against what they termed as “anti-worker and anti-democratic” labour reforms introduced by the BJP-led Central government.

The protest was observed across several tea estates in the district, including those in Moran, Khowang, Duliajan, Halmari, Ouphulia, Dirai, Bhamun, Khumtai, Hingrijan, Domardolong and Rajmai, among others.

Speakers at the demonstrations alleged that the four labour codes, which replaced 29 existing Central labour laws that had been in force since Independence, threaten the rights, job security, and welfare of millions of workers across the country.

They claimed that the new codes favour corporate interests at the expense of labour protections.

In addition to seeking immediate repeal of the labour codes, Lakeshwar Tanti, secretary of the ACMS’s Moran branch, demanded full implementation of the Plantation Labour Act, an increase in daily wages for tea workers, revision of salaries for sub-staff, land pattas for landless tea tribes and Adivasi workers, and Scheduled Tribe status with due dignity for tea tribes and Adivasi communities.

Union leaders reiterated that if the government fails to safeguard workers’ interests, intensified democratic movements will follow.