Mamata Banerjee Denies Support for Tea Garden Workers' Strike Amidst Union Demands

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has refused to support a 12-hour strike by tea garden workers demanding a 20% bonus. A meeting with the Labour Commission is underway, but trade unions and the BJP call for her intervention, citing the government's neglect of worker grievances.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday refused to endorse a 12-hour strike by trade unions demanding a 20 percent bonus for tea garden workers. Banerjee pointed out that a meeting with the Labour Commission is in progress and she cannot interfere in the matter.

"We do not support the strike. Whatever their demands are, they will discuss them in a meeting with the Labour Commission. I cannot interfere in this," the Chief Minister stated. Darjeeling MP and BJP spokesperson Raju Bista responded by urging the Chief Minister to intervene, arguing that workers have been forced into the strike due to the government's inaction.

"It is extremely unfortunate that the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, currently in North Bengal, has refused to support the tea garden workers. She has labeled their 12-hour strike, called in support of their demand, as politically instigated. The tea workers had to strike because the government has ignored their plight," Bista said.

Meanwhile, trade unions representing Darjeeling tea garden workers declared a 12-hour strike on Monday, demanding a 20 percent bonus. Union Leader Suman Tamang noted that the issue is longstanding and unresolved. "This issue is not new; it is very old. The fourth round of meetings yielded no solutions. All trade unions have called for a 12-hour strike, with support from all political parties," Tamang said.

In March, tea growers also voiced their frustration with the center's role in the industry's revival, urging the government to address their ongoing crisis. They highlighted that Darjeeling tea is facing significant challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)