In September 2015, a BBC investigation of working conditions on the tea estates of Assam, many of which supply tea to popular labels in the UK, revealed deplorable conditions on several estates. Extensive research documenting the nature of labour rights violations on tea estates in Assam show violations including denial of health care and subsidized food, unsuitable accommodation, sexual harassment, poor occupational health and safety and ineffective trade unions that are not representative of workers’ interests.
Cividep India in association with ForUM conducted a study with the objective to trace the Assam tea supply chain from the plantations to well-known retailers in the UK. The focus of the study is to provide better clarity on how the tea trade system works and present fresh ideas on how to achieve greater transparency in the supply chain to help place responsibility for human rights and labour rights violations.
Access the full study below.