Estate workers continue fight for Rs 1000 daily wage

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The planters association had held a press conference today (October 25) to announce the final offer for the daily wage of an estate worker. Chairman of the Ceylon Planters Association, Sunil Bohaliaththa said that a final package of Rs. 600 as daily wages inclusive of an attendance incentive of Rs. 80 and a productivity incentive of Rs. 140 plus a Rs. 30 PSS has been provided which adds up to a total increase of 20%. The chairman added that when the EPF and ETF are included it comes up to Rs. 940 giving an increase of approximately Rs. 3395 per month for each worker. Explaining facts, he stated that bringing the productivity clause into the agreement was agreed following a lot of debate among the unions and that it was finally signed. Meanwhile, General Secretary of the National Estate Labourers' Association said that although Rs. 600 is to be given by the Ceylon Planters Association that they don't want the amount. He added that it was promised two weeks ago to give Rs. 900 plus Rs. 600 and that regardless of what they have to offer it is they who have to work in the estate. Meanwhile, estate workers were engaged in numerous protests today (October 25) as well demanding that their basic salary be increased to Rs 1000. While a protest was carried out in Talawakele today by a large number of workers in the neighbouring estates. A protest was also staged obstructing the Badulla Passara main road demanding the increase of the basic salary. Another protest was also carried out obstructing the Badulla - Bandarawela main road today. Estate workers of the Kotagala estate also staged a protest in Kotagala demanding a wage hike.