Tea Workers Raise Concerns Over Financial Mismanagement in Assam Tea Workers’ Union

In a significant move, tea workers from two estates have lodged a complaint against the Margherita branch of the Assam Tea Workers’ Union at the Margherita Police Station, expressing deep concerns about financial transparency and the management of union funds. The allegations are primarily directed at the union’s president, Gautam Dhanwar, and the secretary, Harinand Gar.

For the past 70 years, the Assam Tea Workers’ Union has been deducting a portion of the wages from tea workers as contributions, amassing a total of approximately Rs 15 crores. Workers are now demanding clarity on how these funds are utilized, questioning the union’s financial practices and the benefits derived from these deductions.

Established to address the myriad challenges faced by tea workers, the union is accused of neglecting their pressing issues. Many workers feel that instead of advocating for their rights, the union is prioritizing the interests of tea companies. Long-standing concerns regarding workers’ housing, sanitation, drainage, and the state of medical dispensaries on the estates remain unresolved. In fact, some workers are reportedly forced to resort to open areas for sanitation due to inadequate facilities.

The workers’ frustrations are compounded by the union’s apparent lack of support for the education of tea workers’ children. As the community grapples with these challenges, it has come to light that senior union officials, including central president Pawan Singh Ghatowar and secretary Rupesh Goyal, are leading lifestyles that starkly contrast with the struggles faced by the workers they represent.

In response to their grievances and the perceived lack of accountability, the workers have filed a complaint demanding a detailed account of the collected funds. They have also issued a warning: if the collection of contributions continues without transparency, they will consider taking further action to address their concerns.