Archive · 10 Aug 2025
Darjeeling Tea Planters Propose Attendance-Linked Bonus, Unions Reject
Tea companies in Darjeeling want to give tea workers a bonus based on how often they come to work.
The companies suggested a bonus from 8.33% to 20%, but the exact amount would depend on how many days the workers showed up.
The workers' unions said no to this plan because they believe the bonus is already connected to showing up for work.
The companies also proposed different bonus amounts for tea gardens based on how well they are doing financially.
The unions and companies are still trying to agree on how much bonus workers should get.
Darjeeling Tea Association (DTA) proposed an attendance-linked bonus.
The proposed bonus ranged from 8.33% to 20% based on worker attendance.
Planters suggested a tiered structure; unions rejected it.
Unions stated that the bonus is already linked to attendance.
Planters also suggested categorizing gardens based on financial health for different bonus rates.
- Who
- Darjeeling Tea Association (DTA) and tea garden workers' unions.
- What
- Bonus structure for tea garden workers.
- When
- Meeting held on Friday evening.
- Where
- Darjeeling.
- Why
- To determine the Puja bonus for workers.
Tea Workers' Unions
Darjeeling Tea Planters
Bonus Structure
Tea Workers' Unions
Oppose the attendance-linked tiered bonus structure.
Darjeeling Tea Planters
Propose attendance-linked bonus structure.
Attendance Link
Tea Workers' Unions
Argue bonus already linked to attendance.
Darjeeling Tea Planters
Believe a direct attendance-linked bonus would improve worker attendance.
- Event
- Puja Bonus Negotiation
- Location
- Darjeeling
- Participants
- DTA, Workers Unions
- Proposed Bonus Range
- 8.33% - 20%
- Proposed System
- Attendance-linked tiered structure
