Sweated Labour in Sri Lankan Tea Plantation: Child Labour Analyzed by Integrated Social Contract Theory

Abstract

The economic importance of the Sri Lankan tea industry for the whole population since the 19th century is unquestioned. However, the working conditions in the tea plantations and the economic situation for the working people especially for the Tamils in the plantations did not change very much. Despite the distressing working conditions in the tea plantations in general, child labour below the age of 14 is serious problem. Experience shows that ethic guidelines formulated in a general and popular way by the international tea companies are useless for qualified and responsible ethical decision making combatting child labour. Donaldson and Dunfee have succeeded in establishing Integrated Social Contract Theory a framework for international managers providing concrete guidance in everyday business operations.