NUW Dunks Tetley Tea
The NUW staged a demonstration this morning at Tetley Tea, in opposition to the company’s continued relationship with a tea supplier who mistreats workers in India. The demonstration was part of a global campaign organised by the IUF.
Outside Tetley Tea in South Yarra
Twelve workers from a tea plantation in West Bengal India, face criminal charges and lengthy prison sentences after protesting against the mistreatment of an eight-months pregnant co-worker who collapsed at work after she was refused maternity leave.
The employer, Amalgamated Plantations Private Limited, is half owned by Tata Global Beverages, who wholly owns Tetley Tea. Amalgamated Plantations provides tea leaves to both Tata and Tetley. Amalgamated Plantation responded to the workers' protest by standing them down for 4 months with no pay.
The NUW held a peaceful protest today, holding up a giant cup of tea which read “'Working for Tata is no Tea Party”. The NUW then presented a letter to the Managing Director of Tetley Tea Australia, Sean Hallahan, demanding that Tetley Tea place pressure on Amalgamted Plantations/Tata to drop the complaints behind the criminal charges and provide workers with compensation for the stand down.
The Managing Director of Tetley Tea Australia has undertaken to speak to Tata Tea and respond to the NUW’s demands.
NUW Industrial Officer Susie Allison said:
"Tetley Tea’s ongoing support of Amalgamated Plantations was disgraceful. The continued support and acceptance of tea from a company that mistreats workers is a damning reflection on Tata and Tetley."
“Australians do not accept violations of fundamental workers rights. We urge Tetley to take urgent action to address this matter before Australian consumers register their protest at the check out and dunk Tetley Tea.”
The demonstration was part of a global campaign organised by the IUF. Click here for more information about the IUF.
Left to right: Susie talking to management, Outside Tetley, Talking to the press.
