Structured overview of the labour dispute involving Nuddea Plantations Limited, along with guidance on legal and conciliation aspects

 

Structured overview of the labour dispute involving Nuddea Plantations Limited, along with guidance on legal and conciliation aspects:

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1. Background of the Labour Dispute

• Company: Nuddea Plantations Limited

• Location: Totapara Tea Estate, Banarhat, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal

• Workers affected: ~850 estate workers

• Issue: Payment of bonus and wage-related claims; suspension of operations left workers unemployed.

• Initial Cause: Management cited financial losses; workers claimed entitlement to statutory bonus and protested suspension.

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2. Legal Proceedings

Date	Event	Court/Authority	Outcome/Direction
Sep 25, 2025	Writ petition filed by company (W.P.A. No. 2115/2025)	Calcutta High Court Circuit Bench, Jalpaiguri	Court directed interim payment of 9% bonus to workers by Sep 27, 2025. Remaining bonus to be decided through conciliation.
Oct 10, 2025	Representation by management	Conciliation proceedings	Management cited financial constraints and expressed willingness for amicable resolution.

Key Point: The dispute is being handled under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, invoking conciliation machinery.

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3. Applicable Law

• Industrial Disputes Act, 1947

  • Section 2(k): Defines industrial dispute

  • Section 22: Strike restrictions in public utility services

  • Section 12/12A: Reference of disputes to Labour Court/Industrial Tribunal

  • Section 33: Protection of workmen during pendency of dispute

• Bonus Payment: Governed by Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, ensuring minimum statutory bonus to eligible employees.

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4. Conciliation Process

1. Conciliation Officer appointed by Labour Commissioner mediates between workers and management.

2. Objectives:

   • Determine quantum of bonus and other dues

   • Explore feasible payment plan considering financial constraints

   • Resolve additional grievances (e.g., reinstatement, suspension legality)

3. Outcome: If conciliation fails, the matter may be referred to Labour Court/Industrial Tribunal.

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5. Impact on Workers

• Delayed payment of bonus caused financial hardship

• Suspension of operations led to loss of employment

• Workers may seek legal redress including:

  • Wages/bonus recovery

  • Reinstatement claims

  • Compensation for illegal lay-off under Sec. 25F/25C ID Act

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6. Next Steps for Resolution

• Active participation in conciliation

• Documentation of claims by workers (wages, bonuses, benefits)

• Mediation proposals from management (staggered payments or partial relief)

• Court intervention if conciliation fails, leading to binding order under Labour Court/Tribunal