Tea producers and workers prepare to lock horns over bonus payout

Largest workers' union warns of serious consequence if 20% payout isn't made, even as tea firms ciote helplessness owing to dwindling profits

Contrary to previous years, a majority of the top tea plantation companies in Assam might not pay a 20 per cent bonus to their workers this year.

The largest workers’ union, in turn, has warned of serious consequences if this happens.

Irrespective of profit or loss, legal provisions stipulate a minimum of 8.33 per cent and a maximum of 20 per cent bonus to  workers. Negotiations between workers, the Indian Tea Association (ITA), and plantation companies are expected to start this week.

“The industry has for the past five years been paying bonus at around 20 per cent. However, it has been in