EFC signs plantation staff collective agreement with CESU
View(s):The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon signed the Plantation Staff Collective Agreement with the Ceylon Estates Staffs’ Union (CESU) for a period of three years beginning 1st October 2013, the federation said.
In terms of this agreement, the regional plantation companies have agreed to revise the salaries of estate staff covered under the agreement by 25 per cent. This revision will be granted with immediate effect and will be applicable for a minimum period of three years.
Another significant feature of the Collective Agreement is that it was agreed to revise the retirement age of workers from 58 years to 60 years.
Director General of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, Ravi Peiris, commenting on the agreement stated, “We are happy that the CESU returned to the negotiating table to re-negotiate the Collective Agreement. The Agreement affords a win-win solution to the needs of the workers as well as of the Regional Plantation Companies.”
He said that whilst it enhances the salaries of the workers, it rejuvenates the workers’ commitment and loyalty towards the employer. “However, ultimately the success of this agreement lies on what happens at the workplace. It is important that we translate the spirit of understanding and dialogue, which is inbuilt in this agreement, to the day to day operations of estates in each Regional Plantation Company,” he added in the media release.