Both the government and plantation employers’ union share the responsibility for granting wage increases to plantation workers.
Mr. Vadivel Suresh, General Secretary of the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers’ Union, emphasized the importance of both the Government and the Plantation Employers’ Association in providing wage increases to plantation workers. These workers, who are instrumental in maintaining the prestigious reputation of ‘Ceylon Tea’, make a significant contribution to the national economy of Sri Lanka.
MP Vadivel Suresh made these remarks during a news conference held today (03) at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), focusing on the theme ‘Collective path to a Stable Country’.
The Member of Parliament highlighted that plantation companies, benefiting greatly from the fluctuating dollar value, should be ashamed of not giving their employees a salary raise. He stressed the importance of implementing the salary increase specified in the gazette notice issued by the Labour Commissioner General for plantation workers.
MP Vadivel Suresh added:
“We are thankful to the President and the government for increasing the salary of plantation workers to LKR. 1700. However, the Plantation Employers’ Association is opposing this decision.
The estate companies that benefited significantly from the dollar’s value should feel ashamed for not increasing their workers’ salaries. It is regrettable that they are opposed to the wage increase for their workers, who play a crucial role in boosting the national economy through the reputation of Ceylon Tea. The decision to raise wages for estate workers was the result of extensive negotiations involving the Department of Labour, trade unions, and relevant stakeholders over a year.
Employers’ unions refused to engage in wage negotiations and remained silent when a salary increase of LKR 1000 was proposed. However, the Labour Commissioner General lawfully issued a gazette notice for a salary hike of LKR 1700. It is unfair for estate companies to delay providing relief to their workforce amid fluctuations in the dollar’s value.
Both the government and the Plantation Employers’ Association share responsibility in this matter. Companies must comply with government decisions. Estate companies claim to be in discussions with a high-level committee for the final decision. However, all 22 estate companies are owned by five individuals who are involved in various sectors such as tourism, small-scale manufacturing, agriculture, and gems. Plantation workers and trade unions should unite in supporting this wage increase.
Mr. Vadivel Suresh, General Secretary of the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers’ Union, emphasized the importance of wage increases for plantation workers in Sri Lanka, who play a critical role in the country’s economy through their work in the tea industry. He highlighted that plantation companies have benefited from the fluctuating dollar value and should feel ashamed for not providing their workers with a salary raise. Despite opposition from the Plantation Employers’ Association, the government’s decision to raise wages for these workers was the result of extensive negotiations and should be implemented. Suresh urged both the government and employers to fulfill their responsibilities towards the workforce.
