Labour Minister determined to give Rs 1000 daily wage to estate workers through Wages Board

By Chaminda Silva

Minister of Labour Nimal Siripala de Silva yesterday said a daily wage of Rs. 1,000 would be given to estate workers without fail,

De Silva said that the present collective agreement between the unions and the plantation owners would expire on 31 January. If the unions and the plantation owners couldn’t agree on a Rs. 1,000 daily wage, the issue would be sorted out through the Wages Board.

Minister de Silva said that the Cabinet of Ministers too had approved the proposal to increase the daily wages. “Rs. 860 will be the basic salary and Rs. 140 will be a cost of living allowance.

“If plantation owners don’t agree to pay, we can make them do it through the Wages Board. The Wages Board comprises seven members appointed by plantation management, seven members appointed by unions and seven members appointed by the Minister.