Plantation workers propose conditions for out-grower model
Tea workers key union – the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) has proposed to the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) a new model under the proposed employee run plots opening up the discussion on the future of the estate sector.
Under this new proposal the CWC has stated that they want two acres of land to be given to each family for a period of three years under the out-grower system.
If the families were carrying out the work correctly the duration of their ownership of the estate lands could be extended, it was noted. This was stated in a letter addressed to some RPCs over a number of issues in addition to the issue of the out-grower system.
The union has also agreed to clean the fields on contract basis, in the absence of the glyphosate weedicide, before giving the lands to individual families.
The CWC noted that they would want workers to be provided with 15 days work by the company compared to 25-30 days given today. The balance days would be looked after by the workers in their own blocks and the subsidy will be initiated through the government and the green leaf will be bought at around Rs.15 per kilo less than the government fixed price.
In this respect, the CWC pointed out that the companies have agreed to submit a working paper with their proposal to the union to study and give their consent to commence work on this project on all estates.Discussions between the CWC and the RPCs had commenced in this regard and would continue in July as well.
Moreover, the RPCs are set to submit their proposal regarding the out-grower model in order to reach a consensus between the parties on the future of tea estate management.