The 17-day-long strike in Kerala's plantation was called off late last night after trade unions and the managements agreed on a hike in the minimum wages.
A sense of urgency was palpable as the evening wore with Plantation Labour Committee (PLC) meeting for a sixth time from as early as 12 in the noon.
Based on the decisions arrived at its yesterday's meeting, trade union leader Lalji Babu declared that the plantation strike has been called off.
Workers would return today to the estates which have been lying closed variously for more than a month after women labourers took to the path of agitation.
'REASONABLE' RATES
The raised minimum wages were announced at a level long way off the original demand for Rs 500 but at what were described as 'reasonable yet workable' rates starting at Rs 301. The prevailing rate starts at Rs 232.
The new minimum wages applicable for different type of plantations are: Rs 301 for tea and coffee; Rs 330 for cardamom; and Rs 381 for rubber in ascending order of the labour skills called for and applied.
These rates comprise the basic pay and dearness allowance. On adding up the statutory benefits, the total emoluments work out respectively at Rs 436, Rs 478 and Rs 552.
COMMISSION APPOINTED
Briefing newspersons about the deliberations, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Labour Minister Shibu Baby John, and Power Minister Aryadan Mohammed, said that other issues - mainly performance-linked incentive - would be sorted out after the local body elections.
The PLC meeting also decided to appoint a one-man commission to study the problems in the plantation sector. The commission would submit its report in a month.
SEPARATE MEETING
The state government would meet separately on November 4 with plantation owners to discuss their issues. Officials of the Forest and Revenue departments will attend the meeting.
The Chief Minister urged trade union leaders to settle the strike for bonus payments at the Harrisons Malayalam Ltd. The Labour Minister said that the PLC would frequently after the local body elections to settle outstanding issues.