Killcott Tea Garden Workers Begin Indefinite Agitation Over Unpaid Wages and PF Dues in Jalpaiguri
An indefinite agitation has begun at the Killcott Tea Garden in the Matiali block of Jalpaiguri district as workers allege prolonged non-payment of wages and mounting provident fund (PF) arrears, triggering renewed concerns over labour rights and the financial health of tea estates in North Bengal. The protest has disrupted normal operations at the garden, with workers demanding immediate clearance of dues or a complete change in ownership, arguing that the current management is no longer capable of running the estate.
The agitation intensified on Thursday when workers staged a protest march inside the tea garden and temporarily locked the gate of the senior manager’s bungalow. This followed earlier actions earlier in the week, including the sealing of the factory gate and removal of the company’s signboard from the premises—symbolic steps that reflect deepening frustration among the workforce.
Allegations of Wage Delays and PF Arrears
According to workers and union representatives, the immediate trigger for the protest was the failure of the management to pay fortnightly wages that were due on January 9. Employees claim that despite repeated assurances, payments have not been released, leaving hundreds of families struggling to meet basic needs.
In addition to wage delays, workers allege that provident fund contributions have not been deposited for years, resulting in arrears running into several crores of rupees. PF contributions are a critical component of long-term social security for tea garden workers, many of whom depend on these savings after retirement.
“How can workers survive without food when wages are not paid?” asked a protesting worker, echoing a sentiment widely shared across the estate. Several workers said the uncertainty has forced families to borrow money or depend on informal support networks to get by.
Union Demands Change of Ownership
The agitation is being led by the Progressive Tea Workers’ Union (PTWU), which has formally demanded that the tea garden be handed over to a new owner. Union leaders argue that the present management has repeatedly failed to meet its statutory obligations and is unable to ensure regular operations.
PTWU secretary Ramchandra Praja said a delegation of workers met the Joint Labour Commissioner in Siliguri on Wednesday to seek official intervention. “We have placed all facts before the authorities. The present owner has failed to run the garden properly. Workers are suffering due to unpaid wages and PF arrears, and we have demanded a change in ownership,” he said.
Union representatives also warned that work at the garden would remain suspended until all pending dues—including bonus arrears and advance payments for upcoming holidays—are cleared or an alternative management arrangement is put in place.
Protest Actions and Escalation
Thursday’s demonstration was not the first sign of unrest. On January 14, workers had already locked the factory gate and removed the company’s name from the garden board, signaling a breakdown of trust between labour and management. The locking of the senior manager’s bungalow gate during the latest protest further highlighted the seriousness of the agitation, although the gate was later unlocked.
Union leaders cautioned that if their demands are ignored, the movement could expand further. “If there is no immediate resolution, we will be forced to launch a larger agitation,” Praja said, adding that workers have reached a point where patience has run out.
Management Silent, Authorities Aware
Repeated attempts to contact representatives of the Killcott tea garden management for their response were unsuccessful. The estate is run by a private company based in Kolkata, but no official statement has been issued addressing the allegations raised by workers.
Sources within the labour department confirmed that the issue has come to their notice. An official indicated that discussions with the management are likely to be initiated to assess the situation and explore possible solutions. However, no timeline has been announced for such talks.
Labour experts note that delayed intervention often worsens unrest in tea estates, as workers depend almost entirely on timely wage payments for survival. Any prolonged shutdown also affects tea production, adding pressure on the estate’s financial viability.
Wider Concerns in the Tea Belt
The situation at Killcott Tea Garden is not isolated. North Bengal’s tea industry has witnessed repeated labour disputes in recent years, largely linked to wage delays, closure threats, and lapses in statutory payments such as PF and gratuity. Worker unions argue that despite the economic importance of tea estates, enforcement of labour laws remains inconsistent.
Analysts say unresolved disputes can have long-term consequences, including migration of workers, loss of skilled labour, and deterioration of garden infrastructure. They stress the need for proactive monitoring by authorities and clear accountability mechanisms for managements that fail to meet legal obligations.
What Lies Ahead
As the agitation continues, attention is now on the state labour department and whether it can broker a timely resolution. Workers have made it clear that they are unwilling to resume duties without concrete assurances, while the demand for a change in ownership raises complex legal and administrative questions.
For now, daily life at the Killcott Tea Garden remains disrupted, with families facing uncertainty and production at a standstill. The coming days are expected to be crucial in determining whether dialogue can replace confrontation—or whether the dispute will escalate further, adding another chapter to the ongoing challenges faced by the tea sector in North Bengal.
