Rs.1,000 daily wage for estate workers: Labor minister stands firm

COLOMBO: The government would not hesitate to pass an act in parliament if needed to make the Rs.1,000 daily wage for estate workers compulsory, Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

He said the plantation companies have gone to court against the government’s decision on the Rs.1,000 daily wage with the intention of delaying the process further.

“We are confident that the court will do the justice to the government’s decision,” he added.

The minister was speaking at the ministry premises.

“Although the estate workers have been demanding for this pay hike since 2015, it was only the present Government which made it a reality.

“Even after about 12 rounds of discussions, the plantation companies and the Estate Unions could not come to an agreement on the decision. Out of 22 companies, only two companies have agreed to the Rs.1,000 daily wage,” the Minister added.

“These companies have a responsibility to implement the Government’s decision. This is valid for the tea and rubber estate companies,” the minister said.