SONARI, Sept 26 - The labourers of Jaboka Tea Estate gheraoed the management of the garden today demanding 20 percent bonus before Durga Puja, which is just round the corner.
The tea garden managements under APJ Surendra Company, viz Naphuk TE, Suffry TE, Mathurapur TE and Jaboka TE have announced 20 percent bonus to be paid in two instalments.
The first instalment of 15% will be paid before Durga Puja and the remaining 5% will be paid on Holi. But the labourers opposed such payment and demanded one-time payment. Hundreds of labourers gheraoed the ACMS office here this afternoon and demaded immediate solution of the issue.
Prakash Nag and Premkanta Tantabai, president and secretary respectively of Sonari branch ACMS reportedly fled from their offices.
Lastly, the labourers gathered in front of the Deputy Commissioner�s office here and demanded 20% bonus before the Durga Puja. A tripartite talk was subsequently held with the DC where members of the management and office-bearers of ATTSA were also present. The labour representatives and ATTSA demanded payment of 20% bonus within two days, else the labourers of all the four gardens under the APJ Surendra Company threatened to go on strike.
