Tea workers have lodged a formal complaint at the Margherita Police Station against the local branch of the Assam Tea Workers’ Union, challenging the financial transparency and management of union funds. This collective action involves workers from two tea estates who allege mismanagement by the union’s president, Gautam Dhanwar, and secretary, Harinand Gar.
For the past seven decades, the union has systematically deducted a portion of the tea workers’ wages, amassing around Rs 15 crores. However, workers now demand a full accounting of these funds, questioning how and where this substantial sum is being allocated.
The Assam Tea Workers’ Union was originally established to champion the rights and address the concerns of tea workers. Yet, workers claim that their pressing issues—such as inadequate housing, poor drainage, lack of sanitation, and decrepit dispensary conditions—remain unaddressed. Instead, it seems that the union’s focus may have shifted towards the interests of tea companies, leaving workers’ needs unmet and many without basic sanitation facilities.
Further grievances highlight that the union has failed to provide financial assistance for the education of tea workers’ children, adding to their discontent. Meanwhile, the ostentatious lifestyles of the central president, Pawan Singh Ghatowar, and secretary, Rupesh Goyal, present a stark contrast to the workers’ persistent struggles.
In a bid for accountability, workers have presented their complaint in hopes of gaining detailed insight into the fund management. They caution that if their demands for transparency and cessation of contribution deductions are not met promptly, they are prepared to escalate their actions. This unfolding situation underlines growing tensions and a pressing need for resolution between the union leadership and its members.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/assam-tea-workers-demand-financial-accountability-from-assam-tea-workers-union-1111986-2024-10-27?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-10-27 17:46:00
