Our Trade Union dedicated for attainment of social justice
Equality Democratic Unity Independent

CEYLON ESTATE STAFFS’ UNION was formed as an organization of the Estate Staff in year 1920 during the era when estates were mostly under the management of colonial masters , to win their demands and rights. This Organization was registered as a Trade Union under the Trade Unions Ordinance enforced in 1935.

During the 100 years of existence the Union has rendered great service to it’s members by securing many benefits for them including establishment of Estate Staffs’ Provident Society in year 1937 long before the Government introduced the Employees Provident Fund in 1958 and the bargaining through the process of Collective Agreements which paved way to achieve improved Terms & Conditions, welfare benefits job security, dignified working environment, welfare benefits and periodical increase in salaries and allowances etc.

Ceylon Estate Staffs’ Union is the first to celebrate 100 years of continuous existence as a Trade Union in Sri Lanka. It was inaugurated in 1920 at a time when the staff grade employees of the Plantation Sector were badly in need of an organization to represent them and raise a voice against injustice they underwent and fight for their rights and privileges.

Our predecessors have worked tirelessly to fulfill their obligations and past and present members of the Union have reaped the results of such achievements.

Present day demands of the members have changed according to the varying needs of the day and the challenges before us are enormous. CESU is well organized under the present leadership and we are determined and committed to work with renewed strength and enthusiasm to serve our members.