Labourers in over 20 tea gardens in the Dooars worked free on Sunday, a holiday, to express their solidarity with companies which were in financial crisis because of the Covid-19-induced lockdown.

“In recent weeks, this is the second time that workers have extended such free service on a holiday. Earlier, when gardens were closed on account of Buddha Purnima, labourers on at least 10 tea estates worked without wages,” said a tea planter.

On Saturday, workers of 20-odd gardens had approached the managerial staff and informed them that they would join their duties on Sunday, both in plantations and factories.

“Some of the managers were surprised as the workers made it clear that they would provide service without a day’s wage. It is good to see that these people have tried to contribute in their own way during the current economic crisis,” said Sanjoy Baghi, secretary, Dooars Branch of Indian Tea Association.

The gardens are located in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts.

“The workers provided free service which would surely help tea companies as they could save a day’s wages. We also appreciate them because they have been consistently maintaining social distancing, wearing masks and gloves and guarding entry points in the gardens to stop outsiders,” said Asif Hussain, the manager of Damdim tea estate in the Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri.

Bengal tourism minister Gautam Deb, who is also the chairman of the Trinamul Congress’s core committee in three north Bengal districts, has written to chief secretary Rajiva Sinha, mentioning tea planters’ demand to allow 50 per cent labourers to work at a time.

“We have elaborated on the issue and hope the state would take a decision on the issue,” said minister Deb.