Tea workers' life of hardship

The tea workers continue to be among the least paid groups in Bangladesh. Despite their contributions to a vital sector of economy and day-to-day activities, their standards of living reflect a life of deprivation. A worker in a tea garden receives only Tk 178 per day. Even this small remuneration is cut if they cannot join the work. Besides, they are subjected to a remuneration deduction process if they cannot meet the goal of daily tea leaves plucking.

Due to the rising cost of basic products, it is very hard to manage witth such low wages. This income must cover food, healthcare, housing, education, and other basic needs. In today's economic conditions, it is not sufficient to lead even a very basic lifestyle. Tea farm work is physically demanding. This is because employees stand for many hours, bending to carry heavy loads in both sunny and rainy conditions. This activity puts constant strain on their bodies, leading to health problems and persistent aches. Despite these health problems, employees cannot access quality healthcare. This means that missing a day of work due to ill health results in lost income. Their living condition adds another layer of struggle. Most tea workers live in small, overcrowded houses with poor sanitation and scarce access to clean water. Nutrition is generally poor because of very low income, affecting adults and children alike. These conditions contribute to long-term health risks and reduce overall quality of life.

The lack of alternative job opportunities and educational opportunities makes upward mobility difficult. Children in most tea communities have a hard time going to school, which recreates a cycle of poverty and dependency on labor. Despite these factors, tea workers continue to work in a disciplined manner. Their hard work is contributing to consumption patterns and various economic activities. But this class of workers hardly ever figures in development discussions on labour welfare and social protection.

A humane attitude towards their work would be necessary if progress is to be achieved in improving their condition.

Md. Amir Hossain

Undergraduate Student

DESM, North South University