Starbucks has halted its tea purchases from James Finlay and Company in Kenya after a BBC Africa investigation exposed the sexual assault of women in tea firms.
Over 70 women working in Kenyan tea farms owned by two British companies, including James Finlay, reported being sexually abused by their supervisors.
Secret filming captured on plantations showed local bosses allegedly pressuring an undercover reporter for sex.
Starbucks released a statement expressing deep concern and immediate action to suspend buying from James Finlay and Company.
UK retail chain Sainsbury’s, which also buys tea from Kenya, expressed its disgust and may stop buying from local producers.
James Finlays Kenya suspended managers accused of sexual harassment and described the testimonies of the women in the expose as deeply shocking and upsetting.
The Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) called on the two tea firms to stop outsourcing labor through contractors immediately.
The union stated that outsourcing labor affects workers’ rights and welfare, forcing them to work at the mercy of contracted companies.
The union instead urged the two firms to provide direct employment to all contracted employees.
