Oxfam and the Fair Pay Foundation (FPF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Oxford, UK which is seen as a step towards transforming the tea industry and uplifting the lives of marginalised workers.

This "strategic partnership" aims to build a global movement for fairness, ethical business, equality, and justice in labor-intensive industries—starting with tea plantations in Bangladesh.

Policy makers, business personalities, academicians, Bangladeshi diaspora members of the UK joined the MoU signing event on May 19.

Signed by Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman KGOR OBE, Ambassador and Chairman of the Fair Pay Foundation, and Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, this MoU sets the foundation for the development of a Model Tea State, Oxfam said on Tuesday. 

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The model will showcase fair remuneration, ethical & responsible business, decent working conditions, climate-smart practices, gender justice, and economic resilience.

“The signing of this MoU is more than a ceremonial agreement. It is a commitment to restoring dignity, equality, and opportunity for one of the most exploited labor forces in the world,” said Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman KGOR OBE, Chairman of the Fair Pay Foundation.

As part of the partnership, Oxfam and FPF will collaborate to implement a comprehensive roadmap to operationalize the Model Tea State in Bangladesh.

This includes conducting in-depth social architecture and power analyses, assessing market opportunities, promoting eco-tourism, introducing renewable energy solutions, improving housing and health infrastructure, and amplifying the voice and agency of women workers through leadership platforms.

Dr Halima Begum, Chief Executive of Oxfam GB, emphasised the transformative potential of this collaboration. 

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"Today’s partnership towards Fair Pay as a movement shows that when we say we stand with marginalised communities, we mean it. With our investment in the Model Tea State, we are helping to build a future where workers and owners are partners, with shared ambitions and values.”