In this report, SOMO is presenting for the first time…a…comparative analysis on social, economic and ecological conditions in the tea sector in 6 of the most important tea-producing countries: India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya and Malawi…The study found that working conditions for pickers are often poor, with…discrimination along ethnic and gender lines, lack of protective gear and inadequate basic facilities such as housing and sometimes even drinking water and food…[T]here is no possibility for tea plantation workers to improve working conditions because trade unions are ineffective or absent and/or are not representing them…The sector’s environmental footprint is considerable…[refers to Unilever, James Finlay (part of Swire), Tata Tea (part of Tata Group), Tetley (part of Tata Tea), Dilmah (part of MJF Group), Hayles Group, Twinings (part of Associated British Foods), Sara Lee International, McLeod Russel]