21 May 2025 Birtamod, Nepal
On International Tea Day 2025, Koshi Province hosted a crucial discussion on the challenges facing tea plantation workers, titled “Social Dialogue Program on Tea Sector Management Regarding Minimum Wages and Implementation of Labour Laws for Tea Workers.” The event brought together tea plantation workers, trade union leaders, local government representatives, and civil society actors to address long-standing labour rights concerns.
The program saw participation from key stakeholders, including Birtamod Municipality Mayor Pabitra Devi Mahatara Prasain, Mechinagar Municipality Mayor Gopalchandra Budhathoki, and the Ward President of Damak Ward No. 9 in Jhapa district. Indra Adhikari, Acting Regional Director of the National Tea and Coffee Development Board (NTCDB), joined the discussions alongside trade union leaders Binod Shrestha and Laxman Sharma of GEFONT, Santa K. Rai of the Tea and Coffee Workers’ Union Nepal, and Deepak Tamang of the Tea Garden Workers’ Union. In total, 67 participants took part, including government officers and tea industry representatives.
Labour Rights and Wage Discrimination
Tea workers raised concerns about wage discrimination, with some earning NPR 500 while others receive NPR 667 for the same tasks. Despite contributing to the Social Security Fund (SSF) since 2010, many remain unlisted, with only around 3,000 of Nepal’s 40,000 tea workers receiving the government-mandated minimum wage under the Labour Act 2017. Provisions under Sections 53 and 54 of the Act, which outline employment contracts and wage structures, remain largely unimplemented.
Poor Working Conditions and Limited Social Protection
Workers described increasingly exploitative conditions, noting that plucking targets have risen from 26 kg to 36 kg without corresponding wage increases. Employment remains largely informal, without contracts or security, and workers face hazardous chemical exposure without protective measures. While insurance contributions are supposed to be shared between employers and workers, implementation remains inconsistent, leaving workers vulnerable in case of injuries.
Employers’ Absence and Lack of Accountability
Participants highlighted the absence of major employers, even after formal invitations, reflecting a broader pattern of disengagement and lack of accountability. Local authorities admitted to their limited ability to enforce labour laws and called for stronger union organizing and collective pressure.
Declining Youth Participation in Tea Farming
Concerns were raised about dwindling youth engagement in the tea industry due to low wages, hard labour, and lack of social dignity. Many young workers hesitate to enter the sector, contributing to an aging workforce that lacks essential training on workplace hazards.
Commitments and Future Steps
Government officials pledged to integrate workers’ concerns into annual plans and collaborate more effectively with trade unions and employment offices. Labour leaders urged for a 22 per cent wage increase—10 per cent in wage revisions and 12 per cent to adjust for inflation
In his closing remarks, Santa K. Rai, President of Tea and Coffee Workers’ Union Nepal, emphasized the need for continuous dialogue and political pressure to ensure fair wages and dignified work. Plans were made to organize a separate meeting between unions and employers in Kathmandu to advance negotiations. The event was jointly organized by LDC Watch, SAAPE, GEFONT, and its member union, the Tea and Coffee Workers’ Union. The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Sudhir Shrestha of LDC Watch/SAAPE, reinforcing the collective commitment to strengthening social dialogue and legal protections for Nepal’s tea plantation workers.