The ‘Addressing the Human Cost of Assam Tea’ report compiled by Oxfam highlights serious issues concerning labour rights in the tea plantations of Assam. Tata Institute of Social Sciences also participated in this research, uncovering disturbing data about the work conditions, wage disparity and gender inequality rampant in these vast estates.
Key Findings
From incredibly low wages to disheartening disparity between men and women workers, the conditions of the tea workers in Assam are appalling, with even basic facilities lacking largely.
Extremely Low Wages
The compensation for tea workers is a mix of cash payments and in-kind benefits such as free housing, food rations, healthcare and primary education. While plantation owners claim this meets minimum wage levels, the reality seems to be quite different. The Indian Minimum Wage Act of 1948 does not consider in-kind benefits as part of the minimum wage calculation, and yet, an exception is agreed upon for tea companies in regions like Assam and West Bengal. The unfortunate outcome is that the cash earnings of tea workers fall miserably short of the state’s minimum wage level for unskilled agricultural workers, which stands at Rs. 254.91.
Injustice for Women
Women, who perform the labour-intensive task of tea plucking, often earn less than their male counterparts who are assigned factory jobs. Furthermore, women are largely excluded from decision-making processes and wage negotiation discussions, primarily due to under-representation in trade unions, leading to a work life devoid of dignity.
Lack of Basic Facilities
Despite being obliged under the Plantations Labour Act (PLA), 1951 to provide decent living and working conditions, many tea estates fall shorter than short. Housing and sanitation facilities are either in a pitiful state or entirely non-existent. Moreover, the workers’ access to potable water is severely limited, forcing them to consume contaminated water and risk contracting diseases like cholera and typhoid.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage level for unskilled workers in Assam | Rs. 254.91 |
| Percentage of final tea price retained by supermarkets and brands | 58.2% |
| Percentage of final tea price remaining for workers | 7.2% |
Root Cause: Inequality of Power
The disproportionate distribution of the final consumer price of black processed tea is a major factor contributing to the workers’ plight. With more than half (58.2%) of the price going to supermarkets and tea brands, a measly 7.2% is left for the struggling workers. This skewed distribution of resources exacerbates poverty and hardship amongst the tea growers.
Suggestions for Improvement
To address the issues at hand, proactive measures must be taken by all stakeholders involved. Options include either increasing the end consumer price of tea with a commitment to pass these increased revenues to workers or redistributing some of the retailer and tea brand share to the workers while maintaining current prices. Additionally, it’s imperative to ensure that women have an equal say in decision making and work in discrimination-free environments. The enforcement of the Plantations Labour Act (PLA), 1951, addressing systemic challenges, and implementing a minimum wage level of INR 351 per day, are some other vital changes needed to better the workers’ conditions.
The Plantations Labour Act (PLA) of 1951
The PLA was enacted to ensure the welfare of plantation labourers and to regulate the working conditions on plantations. With new changes proposed in labour laws, there’s a need to ascertain that these alterations further improve the living and working conditions of workers. Besides, the government must be proactive in extending welfare facilities through their schemes.
Relevant Constitutional Provisions
Under the Indian Constitution, both Central and State Governments possess the power to enact legislation concerning labour, as it falls under the Concurrent List. Two critical articles from the constitution, Article 39 and Article 43, stress ensuring equal pay for both men and women, and establishing a decent standard of work life for all workers, respectively. To imbue these rights, the state must implement suitable legislation or undertake necessary actions.
