Tea workers of five Merico-run estates in Alipurduar withdrew their two-day sit-in late Tuesday night after the company issued a written schedule to clear unpaid wages. The workers had launched a protest near the Dooars Kanya collectorate on Monday evening, demanding formal assurance that their pending dues would be released.
Administration officials and Trinamool Congress leaders intervened, pressing Merico to provide a written commitment. Deputy labour commissioner Gopal Biswas confirmed that the company submitted a detailed plan, promising to clear all arrears by January 31.
The payment schedule includes the release of one fortnight’s wages on January 9 for workers at Garganda, Dhumchipara and Tulsipara estates.
Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee personally intervened, instructing party leaders to ensure the deadlock ended. Around 11.30pm, Trinamool MP Prakash Chik Baraik and labour officials met the workers and handed over the company’s notice. Only after receiving the complete timeline did the workers call off the protest.