• Ranjit Saibya

The tea industry in West Bengal is a vital component of the state's economy, employing over 400,000 workers, primarily in the districts of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Darjeeling, particularly in the Terai and Dooars regions. The sector involves multiple, often conflicting stakeholders who interact within a fragmented industrial relations (IR) environment. This review critically evaluates the existing academic literature on industrial relations in the tea estates of West Bengal, focusing on labour-management relations, trade unionism, wage conflicts, welfare provisions, and the role of the government. The review synthesizes major academic perspectives to inform future research and policy. Key findings highlight structural shortcomings, political interference, gender disparities, and recurring disputes. The paper identifies significant research gaps—particularly concerning informal labour, gendered workplace experiences, and the efficacy of enforcement mechanisms- and concludes with recommendations for more inclusive and participatory IR strategies.

Industrial Relations, Tea Plantations, Gender Disparities, Labour Unrest, Trade Unionism, Dooars, Terai, Wage Conflict.

"Industrial Relations in Tea Estates of West Bengal: A Review of Existing Literature", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 4, page no.279-282, April-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1804503.pdf

"Industrial Relations in Tea Estates of West Bengal: A Review of Existing Literature", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 4, page no. pp279-282, April-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1804503.pdf