Estate workers launch a “go slow” demanding 1000 rupees

 

A ‘go-slow’ has been launched by estate workers throughout the island with effect from today, demanding a 1000 rupees daily pay.

An estate worker’s current daily wage is 485 rupees.

Negotiations between workers’ trade unions and estate owners were held four times in the past with regard to increasing estate worker daily wage, but all negotiations failed as estate owners did not agree to increase the wages.

The go-slow was seen in operation in many estates in the hill country today.

Our correspondent stated that CWC trade union action was launched in certain estates of Kalutara, Agalawatta, and Ratnapura and Matara areas.

An estate worker should pluck an average number of 15 to 20 kilograms of leaves per day, but this average harvest has decreased to 5 kilograms a day due to trade union action.