Protesting workers slow down plucking in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's tea industry is facing a production slowdown due to employees protesting against pressures on working conditions and wages. Workers staged a "go-slow" campaign, plucking 5 kilograms of tea per day, instead of the usual 10 to 15 kg. Proponents of the campaign claim they are protesting against a possible cut in wages and disproportionate plucking requirements. A 18-20 kg requirement is seen by many as excessive during a period of drought. Sri Lanka's tea industry is already facing difficult times with reduced tea prices, volatile market conditions in the Middle East and significant cost increases.