COLOMBO (News1st): The Wages Board has decided to increase the daily wage of plantation workers up to Rs 1000, the labour ministry said Monday.

“Trade union leaders had put forward a proposal to provide a daily basic wage of Rs 900 and a budgetary allowance of Rs 100,” the ministry said in a statement.

It added that this proposal had been passed by 11 votes to 8 during a meeting between trade unions and estate company owners.

The increment would apply to workers attached to the tea and rubber industries.

According to the ministry, the matter had been brought before the Wages Board after 12 rounds of discussions involving employers had proved futile.

The ministry noted that the decision to provide the increment marks the end of a struggle that has lasted for nearly five years.

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