The Tea Industry in Assam represented by the four Producer Association namely:

1. Indian Tea Association

2. Assam Tea Planters' Association

3.Tea Association of India

4.Bharatia Cha Parishad and -

 The workers represented by:                                              Representing the employers

1.Assam Chah Karmachari Sangha                                         Mr. M. Lamond (I.T.A.)

2. Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha                                          Mr. S.K. Kanoria (T.A.I.)

3. Indian Tea Employees' Union                                           Mr. M.L. Jalan (A.T.P.A.)

4. Cachar Cha Samik Union                                                 Mr. M. Jalan (B.C.P.)

Representing the Workers

Mr. P. Goswami (A.C.M.S.)

Mr.G.C.Sarmah (A.C.K.S.)

Mr.J.N.Sinha (C.C.S.U.)

Mr.T.Chutiya (A.C.M.S.)

Short Retail of the Case

 At a meeting of standing Labour Committee held on  the 23rd October 1969 certain demands put forward by the Union were discussed and an agreement was reached between the parties on the following terms:

Terms of Settlement :

1.Wages :

(i) The Daily read adult workers will be given an increase in wages of 15 paise per day with effect form the 1st October 1969. For employable children the increase will be 7 paise per day.

(ii) The staff (clerical, medical and technical) and other monthly rated workers will be given adhoc increase in pay at the rate of Rs. 8.00 and Rs. 5.00 per month respectively with effect form the 1st October, 1969.

(iii) If by the end of November 1969 the Government of India has not step

up an Industry- wise Wages Board suitable wage revision machinery will be set up to evolve a wage agreement for the future which will have effect form the 1st January 1970.

2. Variable Dearness Allowance

 The ceiling at 200 points on variable dearness allowance recommended by the Wage board will be lifted with effect form 1st April 1969, subject to continuance of the other limitations as laid down in paragraphs (7) and (16) on pages 52 and 54 respectively of the Wage Board Report. the arrear payment will normally be completed by 31st January 1970, provided that grades in financial difficulties may make the payment in instalment by mutual agreenment between the local unions and managements.

3. Rations

(i) All non-resident permanent, temporary and casual (faltu) workers, as well as resident temporary and casual (faltu) workers, will be entitled to concessional rations on the usual scales at single rate only for the days worked  with effect form the date of this Agreement, provided that when food grains are not available cash compensation will be paid on the basis of the difference between the concessional and the Government control price.

(ii) In view of this Agreement all pending legal proceedings and proceedings under the Industrial Disputes Act regarding rations will be withdrawn by the parties concerned.

4. Employment

(i) Without prejudice to any rights conferred by Agreement award or law the Industry will

(a) maintain the level of employment of permanent workers obtaining as on the 1st January 1969 and

(b) similarly maintain the total number of staff (clerical, medical and technical ) and other monthly rate workers employed on gardens as on the 1st January 1969.

(ii) The Industry will provide permanent additional employment to 15000 persons preferably drown form the unemployed persons on the garden. The process and method of employment will be considered and finalised be the employers' Associations and thereafter lists will be submitted to the Unions. The employment will be completed by the 31st March, 1972.

(iii) Where there has been any reduction in the numbers of clerical, medical, and technical staff on individual estates and the employees are as a matter of  course required to work excessive overtime the Unions may send full derails to the employers' Associations for consideration regarding the employment of new hands.

(iv) If any garden has difficulty in implementing the clauses regarding employment, the matter will be resolved by mutual discussion between the Unions and Managers concerned.

  The existing differential of 2 paise the daily allowances (additive) of the male and female workers engaged on plucking in the Assam Valley will be eliminated with effect form the date of this agreement, i.e., such additive will be payable to the female workers at the same rate as to the male workers. All other terms, conditions and rates for plucking will remain unaltered.

6. Fringe Benefits

Free issue of tea will be made to permanent workers at the rate of 1 1b, per family per month, provided that single workers living on their own will be entitled to receive only 0 .5 1b per month. Such issue of dry tea may be made monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly according to the convenience of the management.

7. Other Issues

(i) Notwithstanding the recommendation

8. DURATION.

(i) The union will not raise any fresh Industry-wise disputes in respect of issues covered by this agreement.

(ii) The terms of this Agreement will continue to remain binding on both the parties unless they are revoked by them or replaced by a fresh Agreement.

Representing The workers:-                                                    Representing the Employers:

Sd/- P. Goswami,                                                                     Sd/- M.Lamond

Sd/- G.C. Sarmah                                                                    Sd/- S.K. Kanoria

Sd/- Jagannath Sinha                                                               Sd/- M.L.Jalan

Sd/- J. Bhattacharjee                                                               Sd/- Mahadeo Jalan

Sd/- T. Chutiya                                                                       Sd/- H.P. Barooah

Witness: Sd/- B.Sarma,

23.10.69