EFC signs Plantation Staff Collective Agreement with CESU

Wednesday, 19 March 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Employers Federation of Ceylon (EFC) has signed the Plantation Staff Collective Agreement for a period of three years beginning 1 October 2013. Under the terms of the Plantation Staff Collective Agreement, the regional plantation companies have agreed to revise the salaries of estate staff covered under the agreement by 25%. This revision will be granted with immediate effect and will be applicable for a minimum period of three years.

Another significant feature of this Collective Agreement is that it has agreed to revise the retirement age of workers from 58 years to 60 years. EFC Director General Ravi Peiris commented on the agreement, saying: “We are happy that the CESU returned to the negotiating table to re-negotiate the Collective Agreement. The agreement affords a win-win solution to the needs of the workers as well as of the Regional Plantation Companies. Whilst it enhances the salaries of the workers, it rejuvenates the workers’ commitment and loyalty towards the employer. However, ultimately the success of this agreement lies in what happens at the workplace. It is important that we translate the spirit of understanding and dialogue, which is inbuilt in this agreement, to the day to day operations of estates in each Regional Plantation Company.”