The West Bengal tea workers protest movement has gained momentum with the announcement of a series of demonstrations by the North Bengal Joint Forum, a coalition of 24 trade unions. The protests are aimed at challenging the new labour codes passed by the central government and addressing long‑standing grievances of tea garden workers in Darjeeling, Terai, and Dooars regions.
2. The Joint Forum’s Announcement
On December 14, 2025, the Joint Forum declared:
- Gate meetings across tea gardens on December 22.
- Sector‑wise workers’ meetings in January 2026.
- Mass convention in March 2026.
The protests are designed to highlight violations of worker rights, low wages, and attempts to transfer land to corporate houses.
3. Socio‑Economic Conditions of Tea Workers
Tea workers in North Bengal face:
- Low wages: Often below minimum wage standards.
- Poor housing and healthcare: Many live in dilapidated quarters with limited medical facilities.
- Job insecurity: Frequent closures of tea gardens.
- Gender inequality: Women workers face wage discrimination and harassment.
4. Impact of New Labour Codes
The central government’s labour codes have triggered opposition because:
- They weaken collective bargaining rights.
- They reduce protections for contract workers.
- They make strikes more difficult.
- They allow greater corporate control over land and resources.
5. Historical Struggles of Tea Workers
Tea workers have a long history of protest:
- 1940s: Early unionization efforts in Darjeeling.
- 1970s: Strikes demanding better wages.
- 2000s: Movements against garden closures.
- 2010s: Demands for implementation of minimum wages.
6. Government External Links for Assistance
- Ministry of Labour & Employment: https://labour.gov.in
- Tea Board of India: https://teaboard.gov.in
- West Bengal Labour Department: https://wb.gov.in/departments/labour
- Election Commission of India: https://eci.gov.in
7. Legal Framework
The protests are linked to:
- Plantation Labour Act, 1951.
- Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
- Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
- New Labour Codes (2020).
These laws govern wages, working conditions, and dispute resolution in plantations.
8. Global Comparisons
Plantation workers worldwide face similar challenges:
- Sri Lanka: Tea workers demand wage hikes.
- Kenya: Labour disputes in tea estates.
- Indonesia: Plantation workers struggle with land rights.
India’s tea workers share these global struggles, but the scale in Bengal is unique due to the region’s dependence on tea exports.
9. Governance Lessons
The Joint Forum protests highlight:
- Need for fair wages and social security.
- Transparency in land transfers.
- Stronger collective bargaining rights.
- Government accountability in enforcing labour laws.
10. Future Outlook – Sustainable Tea Industry
India must move towards:
- Living wages for tea workers.
- Corporate responsibility in plantations.
- Community‑driven land management.
- Integration of sustainability into tea exports.
11. West Bengal Tea Workers Protest Movement: Conclusion
The West Bengal tea workers protest movement led by the North Bengal Joint Forum is a powerful reminder of the struggles of plantation labour. By demanding fair wages, land rights, and protection from exploitative labour codes, tea workers are asserting their dignity and role in India’s democracy.
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