Workers of Nageshwari Tea Plantation blocked the state highway in front of Meteli police station on Friday morning, demanding a bonus at the rate of 16 per cent.

Despite heavy rain, the workers gathered in large numbers to express their discontent after the garden management announced a bonus of 9 per cent, a reduction from last year’s 11.5 per cent.

The protest caused significant disruption, with vehicles stuck on both sides of the
road.

The workers were united in their demand and stated they would not accept a bonus lower than 16 per cent, especially after it was reportedly agreed upon in a recent meeting in Calcutta.

The demonstrators expressed frustration over the sudden decrease in bonus percentage, claiming it was unfair given their hard work and the rising cost of living.

Sources said that the situation was eventually brought under control when officers from the Meteli police station intervened and assured the workers that their concerns would be addressed.

“Following this assurance, the workers lifted the blockade, allowing traffic to resume. However, the workers have made it clear that they will continue their agitation if their demands are not met,” said sources.

Workers of the Kilkot Tea Plantation also staged a protest by blocking the Chalsa-Meteli state road. Like their counterparts from Nageshwari, Kilkot workers, too, were aggrieved by the management’s decision to offer a 9 per cent bonus, in contrast to the 16 per cent promised in the Calcutta meeting.

The blockade in Kilkot also caused significant traffic delays, but it was lifted after the plantation authorities agreed to negotiations.

The tea workers said that the 9 per cent bonus is unacceptable, and they would not settle for anything less than 16 per cent.

“Their protest, which lasted for about half an hour, brought attention to the ongoing grievances of tea garden workers across the region, where similar disputes over bonuses have caused unrest,” sources said.

With the festive season approaching, workers are hoping for a fair resolution and have called on the authorities to honour the agreements made during the Calcutta meeting.

The situation remains tense, with further actions from the workers likely if their demands are not fulfilled, said a tea garden worker.