INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY CELEBRATIONS – 2007

(15^th December) 

Hatton/Kandy-Sri Lanka 

Since 2005 the International Tea Day has been observed in many tea producing countries. The first  International Tea Day was celebrated in New Delhi on 15^th December 2005 and the second Tea Day Celebrations were held in Sri Lanka on 15^th December 2006. The International Tea day Celebrations and the Global Tea Conferences preceding the celebrations were jointly organized by ISD and CEC    in association with the PSSF and Trade Union Movements. The ITD Committee of Sri Lanka discussed the issue of 2007 ITD celebrations and the decision was taken in consultation with the CEC, and TUs, to hold the celebrations in the individual countries. Accordingly a programme is proposed for Sri Lanka.

ITD Celebrations 2007 – SRI LANKA 

The main celebrations would be held in Badulla, Sri Lanka- the main tea producing area. On 15^th December 2007. Leaders of Trade Unions, Civil Society organizations, Small Holder Associations, the Workers and other representatives of the stake holders will participate for this event. On 14^th December 2007 a Conference will be held to discuss the problems of plantation workers and to make recommendations based on the International Tea Day Declarations of 2005 and 2006, and to review our activities in 2007. The Sri Lankan Tea Committee, ISD and PSSF in association with the Trade Unions has organized a series of events in 2007 to promote tea workers’ activities. 

The Main Demands of TUs and Tea Workers – ITD 2007

01) Demand for a Living Wage

02) Cost of Living Allowances

03) Decent Living and Working Conditions

04) Decent modern Housing with Land rights

05) Ensure subsidized Food Basket

06) State to ensure security of life, employment and property

07) To oppose Leasing subleasing of Tea Plantations

08) To oppose out grower system

09) To separate Housing Settlements from Management control

10) To conclude international commodity agreement for tea

11) Implement – Ten year Action plan 2005-2015(Plantation Social Development)

 In pursuance of these demands the ITD Committee and constituent members carried out many campaigns, in 2007.

A Conference and picketing campaign were conducted on the International Habitat Day, highlighting the pathetic housing conditions of the plantation worker families. Studies were conducted on Living Wage and Out Grower system.Campaigns were conducted against leasing, subleasing and contract system.

Workshop was held on Action Plan –Plantation Social Development. 

The Ministry of Plantation Infrastructure and UNDP (UN Agency) jointly prepared a Document on Action Plan for Plantation Sector Social Development.(2005-2015) Several ITD Members  actively participated  in the preparation of the Plan-Document. This is a great achievement. Since the cabinet had given approval, the next step would be implementation.

The ITD Committee, ISD and PSSF are jointly carrying on a big campaign for the implementation for this Plan.

The New Wage Agreement – Signing of the Collective Agreement on 10^th October 2007.

In December 2006 and October 2007 new wage collective agreements were concluded which raised the wages, though there were mixed opinions and opposition, on the ground of inadequate increase. It is noteworthy on the two occasions the President of Sri Lanka presided over the discussions which culminated in the signing of the collective agreements.

Only Three Trade Union Centers – Ceylon Workers’ Congress – Lanka Jathika Estate Workers’ Union and the Joint Plantation Trade Union Center  signed the Collective Agreement. The wage system would be applicable to the entire tea and rubber industry.

On Housing: Campaign was made against flat and twin housing projects for plantation workers. Demand was made for single housing unit with land rights. Government and companies agreed to provide 7 perches per unit and ITD Committee demanded 10 perches. The Delegation of ITD had discussions with the Minister of Plantation Industries and the Minister of Export Trade on the proposal for International Commodity Agreement. Parties’ agreed to meet again in January 2008.  

The following activities would mark the ITD celebrations:-

-  Public Meeting on 15^th December 2007 in Badulla

-  Conference on 14^th December 2007

- District  and Plantation based celebrations at grass root level

-  Posters and campaign materials

-  Popularization of the ITD Declarations

- Mobilize the support of MPs and elected Representatives

- To make representations to the government to pressurize the UN and ILO to declare International Tea Day.

With Greetings.            

 ITD Tea Committee Sri Lanka – ISD, PSSF and TUs

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