Archive · 21 Sep 2025
Tea Estates Face Closures in Bengal Over Bonus Dispute
Tea workers in North Bengal are upset about their bonus, which is extra money they get each year.
The government said they should get 20% of their yearly pay as a bonus.
But some tea estates, which are like farms where tea is grown, can't afford that much.
This has caused problems!
Some estates closed down, and workers stopped working in others.
The workers are protesting because they want the full 20% bonus the government suggested.
The managers say they don't have the money.
It's causing trouble for the workers and the tea businesses.
The government is supposed to help sort it out.
Tea estates in North Bengal face closures and strikes over bonus disputes.
Workers demand a 20% bonus, as advised by the state labour department.
Lower Fagu and Kohinoor tea estates have closed due to the dispute.
Workers at Sylee tea estate protested over a 15% bonus.
Management cites financial difficulties in paying the demanded bonus.
- Who
- Tea estate workers and management, state labour department.
- What
- Tea estates are facing closures and worker strikes over the rate of annual bonuses.
- When
- Recent days.
- Where
- North Bengal, specifically Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri.
- Why
- Workers demand a 20% bonus as advised by the state; management struggles to pay.
Workers' Perspective
Management's Perspective
Bonus Rate
Workers' Perspective
Workers demand the full 20% bonus as per the state advisory.
Management's Perspective
Management struggles to afford the 20% bonus, citing financial constraints.
- Issue
- Bonus rate for tea estate workers
- Disputed Bonus Rate
- Workers demand 20%, some estates offer less
- Location
- North Bengal
- Estates Closed
- Lower Fagu, Kohinoor
- Workers Affected
- Over 1,500
- State Advisory
- Labour department advised 20% bonus