tHE global FAIR PAY CHARTER
FOR THE FUTURE OF THE GLOBAL TEA INDUSTRY
OVERVIEW:
We, the undersigned are committed to this Fair Pay Charter in promoting fairness, equality, and justice in the Global Tea Industry. We recognise the indispensable contribution of tea workers around the world. We affirm that they must be rewarded fairly for their efforts, as it is through their labour that the industry thrives and can continue to do so. We also acknowledge the need for a sustainable business environment and thus align this charter with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. We agree to use our best efforts to and support the purchase of Fair Pay accredited tea for our business and any business related activities / events / other engagement opportunities in support and pursuant to our commitment to this Charter.
ARTICLES TO THE CHARTER:
ARTICLE 1: Fair Remuneration
We are committed to supporting the enablement of all workers in the tea industry receiving fair remuneration and ensuring a dignified standard of living. Pay structures shall reflect the skill, effort, and responsibility required in each role, and equal work shall warrant equal pay, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, creed, nationality, or age.
ARTICLE 2: Living Wage Commitment
We commit to supporting the implementation of a living wage for all tea industry workers, which covers not just their basic needs but also allows them and their families to enjoy a decent and respectable standard of living. This includes access to adequate food, water, housing, education, health care, transport, clothing, and other essential needs including provision for unexpected events, providing them with a sustainable future.
ARTICLE 3: Cyclical Review of Wages
We understand that the Fair Pay Foundation will be actively supporting governments and industry in discussing and shaping best practice and cyclically reviewing wages to ensure that adjustments be made in line with the cost-of-living increases, inflation, and other relevant economic factors. We are committed to transparency in these reviews and knowledge share in terms thereof as a paramount and fundamental factor of this Charter.
ARTICLE 4: Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all workers, preventing any discrimination based on gender, race, religion or disability. All workers will have equal access to benefits, training, and promotions as well as all resources associated thereto.
ARTICLE 5: Freedom of Association
We recognise and respect the right of all workers to form and join trade unions of their own choosing, to bargain collectively and to engage in peaceful assembly as well as in activities related to improving their working conditions.
ARTICLE 6: Health and Safety
We are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy work and living environment that adheres to local and international standards. The health and safety of the tea industry workers are of utmost importance to us and within this Charter.
ARTICLE 7: Child Labour and Forced Labour
We unequivocally reject all forms of child labour and forced labour. We will support the strict standards set by the International Labour Organization regarding the minimum age for employment and the prohibition of forced labour. We agree to use our best efforts to embrace the knowledge share and measures developed by the Fair Pay Foundation.
ARTICLE 8: Environmental Sustainability
We commit to sustainable practices that reduce our environmental impact and protect the planet for future generations. These practices will include the responsible use of resources and disposal of waste, biodiversity protection, and sustainable agricultural methods. We will support practices developed by the Fair Pay Foundation on the use of renewable energy, water conservation and all other measures that support and promote a more sustainable industry.
MESSAGE:
We urge all stakeholders in the global tea industry - from growers and producers to traders and consumers - to endorse and implement this Charter. Let us unite as a global community to ensure fair pay, decent working conditions, and sustainable practices which will hereby create a global tea industry that we and future generations can all be proud of. The Fair Pay Charter is a starting point which will develop with time and collaboration. It covers the essential principles, but the implementation of such a charter will require further detailed work and cooperation between stakeholders. The creation of a Model Tea Estate by the London Tea Exchange will help further in understanding issues related to the industry with a view to sharing the knowledge base developed with the global tea industry to create the positive and universal change we all believe in.
