Abstract:
Trade union participation is a collective involvement of members in union related activities which are
closely related to the effective functions of the union. Trade unions were emerged in Sri Lanka
through the background of British colonialized period under the plantation economy system. Several
trade unions are in operation at plantation platform. Female workers play a major role in plantation
sector because, half of the plantation labor force are Females. They represent several trade unions
based on their interest. This study explores the challenges faced by Female workers with the
participation of the trade union activities. The study area is Balmoral tea estate which is located in the
middle part of Nuwara- Eliya district. The research was based only from the female estate workers.
The Primary data was collected from direct observation, in depth interviews and case studies.
Secondary data was gathered from relevant books, magazines, and internet sources. The thematic
analysis techniques were applied for data analysis. With the use of analyzed data, this study
identified prominent causes related to this aspect such as lack of interest in trade union activities, lack
of family support, dual burden, lack of awareness about the trade union activities as per the benefits
which can be obtain from the union, lack of educational platform, hesitation to express their thoughts
and ideas and existing patriarchal contradiction in the community influences on female workers
which illustrates gender, class, ethnicity and caste based inequalities among them. Tea estate female
workers are unable to participate enthusiastically in trade union activities because of several barriers
due to their native structure. But in practical it is defined as a basic right of them. Females‟
participation is seen as a platform for them to solve their work place related problems on their own.
This Study emphasizes the importance and value of the trade union participation of females. Apart
from these, all authorized government and non-governmental sectors are expected to create policies
and implement programmes to motivate women workers‟ trade union participation with adequate
knowledge and awareness.
Keywords: Plantation; Participations; Trade union; Female workers
