Mega tea promo delayed, talks continue on wage hike

With the government determining that the wage hike of estate workers is to be effective from March 1, the plantation companies were in discussion this week on a new model.

Should the companies come up with a methodology of a means of earning more, it would amount to a win-win situation for both parties, observers note.

The new wage hike though made mandatory for those covered under the Collective Agreement, however, the industry opines this could have a ripple effect on other sectors as well.

Factory owners are believed to be threatened by this as estate workers that are hired on a part- time basis may demand for better pay.

In addition there could be a chain effect on smallholders and mid size private holdings as well.

Meanwhile, the mega tea promotion campaign about to kick off next month will be delayed by about four months as the industry draws up new plans under the current government.

The Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) has been asked to ensure that the industry’s 5-year plan and the existing campaign would match the overall strategy.

The current advertising and promotion campaign already planned to go ahead in February this year is further delayed until the new plans are worked out.

The Colombo Tea Traders Association is currently involved in drafting the new 5-year plan as they are representative of the industry.

The tea industry has been awaiting the long overdue Rs.6 billion promotional campaign to kick off finally in February in 21 countries with an advertising campaign and a digital media campaign that was to be a part of it as well.

Previously, the global campaign was to start in Russia and Japan but under the circumstances the campaign is to be on hold until the new plan is completed.

The first meeting of the newly-constituted SLTB board is scheduled for January 31. (SD)