Sri Lanka’s tea Industry: too long in adolescence, it’s time to grow up
Tea sector wage negotiations have been in deadlock now for 10 months. There are political reasons for this situation, but also an overarching economic one: global tea prices have declined – as it periodically happens – and the industry is not geared to compete.
Tea is an industry in which Sri Lanka has established a global reputation – Ceylon tea, as it is known worldwide, is considered to be amongst the best black tea in the world. This is mostly a result of Sri Lanka’s climatic and geographic conditions, which yield a quality of tea that is exceptional.
Research shows that the exclusion of domestic workers from the legislative framework contributes to the high level of vulnerability associated with domestic work, as well as a devaluation of the economic benefit of the services performed by domestic workers. A series of studies conducted on the rights and experiences of domestic workers examines the issues pertaining to this sector, and provides analysis and recommendations with respect to ensuring decent work and standards for domestic workers.
