Weigh-in time

[Manfred M]

The tea workers are paid according to a base + incentive system. They have to pick at least 27kg / 60lb of tea a day to receive their base pay of 300 Rupees (about $Cdn 6.00 / day). Any additional quantities, they receive a bonus for (I don't know how this is calculated).

We ran into this group at lunch time, where the tea pickers would carry the 40kg / 88lb bags of leaves up to a weigh station. The tea is weighed, the quantity and name of the picker is recorded in a notebook by the man on the left and the bags of tea are piled up for later pick up by tractor and cart to be taken to the nearby tea factory.

One of the dozen or more tea pickers bringing her work to be weighed is seen on the right.





The shot was taken just before noon, so the lighting was terrible and unfortunately, the work was being done in direct sunlight. I've worked to bring out the facial features a bit better, but it is tough light to work with.

[wilgk]

An interesting commentary of their working life nonetheless.

[Shadowman]

There does seem to be an odd reflection on their faces, nicely composed.

[Sergio M.]

Nicely done considering the conditions and an informative narrative on the background of the photo.

Sergio

[NorthernFocus]

What no electronic scale that automatically transmits the weight to the payroll department and self-calibrates between each bag? How do they get by

[John 2]

I'm enjoying the story that you are telling with these image Manfred. Keep them coming.

[Manfred M]

There does seem to be an odd reflection on their faces, nicely composed.

Dark skin at high noon in full sun doing heavy work in temperatures exceeding 32C / 90F would be the main cause of the reflections.

[Mike Buckley]

An interesting commentary of their working life nonetheless.

Agreed!

[IzzieK]

Very informative shot and commentary...