Government to probe claims of wage deal violation

The Government is to investigate claims that plantation companies have violated a recent agreement reached between the companies and plantation unions.

Minister of Plantation Industries Navin Dissanayake told Parliament that he will look into the issue and take appropriate action.

Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) leader Arumugam Thondaman told Parliament some plantation companies have not paid the productivity incentive of Rs. 140.

Plantation workers last month reached an agreement on their daily wage, following protests which lasted several days.

An agreement was signed between plantation unions and plantation companies for a Rs. 730 daily wage.

Through the agreement, estate workers were to be paid a basic wage of Rs. 500, in addition to the Price Share Supplement (PSS) of Rs. 30, leading to a total guaranteed wage of Rs. 530. A further attendance incentive of Rs. 60 will be provided to workers who maintain a minimum attendance of 75%, while a new productivity incentive of Rs. 140 will also be provided for workers who obtain the estate/divisional norm, leading to a minimum total wage of Rs. 730. (Colombo Gazette)