we will get registered as a trade union within a month. A formal union is necessary to get us access to the negotiations between the plantation managements and the labour unions where others take decisions on our work and wages. During the 17-day strike by the joint council of recognised trade unions, which we also supported later on, we were not even invited to the six rounds of talks called by the government. These unions had gone on strike demanding a daily wage of ₹500 (for workers of tea, rubber and cardamom plantations). But finally, at the negotiations, they agreed for just ₹301 (for tea workers) without even consulting us. This was outright treachery. The government, the plantations managements and the unions colluded to cheat us. The unions also agreed to raise the minimum quantum of tea leaves to be picked from 21 kg to 25 kg.