Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Hatijan Tea Workers Strike Over Dismissed Colleagues
Imagine a big garden where people grow tea leaves.
Some workers were fired because their boss said they hurt him last year.
The other workers are very upset about this and stopped working to show their boss they want their friends back.
The boss said no because he has proof they did it and one of the fired workers even threatened him again.
Because nobody is agreeing, the boss also told everyone to stop working, which is called a lockout.
Now, the tea garden is not producing any tea until the boss and the workers can agree on what to do.
Hundreds of Hatijan tea estate workers have halted operations demanding the reinstatement of six dismissed colleagues.
The workers' boycott began on November 4, preceding the management's lockout declared on November 8.
The dismissed workers are accused of assaulting the estate manager in late 2024, as per an internal inquiry.
Conciliation meetings held on August 7 and November 3 failed to resolve the dispute.
Supporting unions and student associations have joined protests, calling for the reinstatement to resume garden operations.
- Who
- Hundreds of plantation workers at Hatijan tea estate, supported by unions (ACMS, AASAA, ATTSA), and the estate management.
- What
- Workers have stopped all operations (boycott) and the management declared a lockout, demanding the reinstatement of six dismissed workers accused of assaulting the estate manager.
- When
- The workers' boycott began on November 4, and the management declared a lockout on November 8. The alleged assault occurred in late 2024.
- Where
- Hatijan tea estate, near Duliajan, Assam.
- Why
- The dispute centers on the dismissal of six workers following an alleged assault on the estate manager. Management cites an internal inquiry and threats made during conciliation, while workers and unions demand reinstatement, citing issues with disciplinary processes and provocation.
Workers and Unions (ACMS, AASAA, ATTSA)
Management
Reinstatement of Dismissed Workers
Workers and Unions (ACMS, AASAA, ATTSA)
Demand immediate reinstatement of the six dismissed workers, citing that disciplinary actions often victimize workers and that provocation should be considered.
Management
Refuses reinstatement due to an internal inquiry finding the six workers guilty of assaulting the estate manager.
Alleged Threats
Workers and Unions (ACMS, AASAA, ATTSA)
While acknowledging disputes can escalate, they imply management provocation. One dismissed worker allegedly made violent threats, but this is not the primary focus of their public statements.
Management
States that one of the dismissed workers made violent threats towards the estate manager during a conciliation meeting, which escalated tensions and led to a breakdown in talks.
Work Stoppage and Lockout
Workers and Unions (ACMS, AASAA, ATTSA)
Workers began a boycott on November 4 in solidarity, demanding reinstatement.
Management
Formally declared a lockout on November 8 after conciliation efforts failed and workers boycotted operations.
- Location
- Hatijan tea estate, near Duliajan, Assam
- Dispute began
- Work boycott started November 4; formal lockout declared November 8
- Reason for dispute
- Dismissal of six workers accused of assaulting the estate manager in late 2024
- Union involved
- Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), All Adivasi Students' Association of Assam (AASAA), Assam Tea Tribes Students' Association (ATTSA)
- Conciliation attempts
- Meetings held August 7 and November 3, both failed to resolve the issue