The Hindu Business Line : Nilgiri planters to go by wage agreement

Coonoor, July 4 The Nilgiri Planters’ Association (NPA) has announced that its member estates will continue to pay their workmen as per the terms of the bilaterally negotiated wage settlement dated March 6, and not as recently notified in the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.

“There are well-organised trade unions in the plantation sector and wage issues have traditionally been resolved through bilateral negotiations. The last of the wage settlements was reached on March 6. However, close on the heels of the bilaterally negotiated settlement, the Tamil Nadu Government has issued a notification under the Minimum Wages Act fixing a wage rate much higher than the negotiated wages. But, the NPA and the Planters’ Association of Tamil Nadu (PAT) have challenged the notifications before the Madras High Court. The writ petitions are awaiting disposal,” the NPA has explained in its statement here on Friday .

Pending dispute

Contending that there have been deviations from statutory norms laid down under the Act, the NPA said an industrial dispute on wages is awaiting adjudication before the Special Tribunal, Chennai. Besides, certain legal issues with long-term implications are to be resolved.

“Hence, the legal resolution is vital for industry’s survival. So, workmen will continue to be paid as per the bilateral settlement of March 6,” it said.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Plantations | Tamil Nadu

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
National Spot Exchange sets up settlement fund

Fresh whirl over northwest Bay by Sunday

Coverage of most crops up as kharif sowing peaks

Mango festival

Speeding up

Spot rubber rules weak

Maize continues to nosedive

Nilgiri planters to go by wage agreement