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Labour Controls, Unfreedom and Perpetuation of Slavery on a Tea Plantation

Author

Listed:
  • Khandakar Shahadat

    (University of Hull, UK)

  • Shahzad Uddin

    (University of Essex, UK)

Abstract

This article examines labour controls in traditional tea plantations in Bangladesh. This study finds how social and economic exclusion through discriminatory labour laws and labour–manager relations rooted in the ‘coolie’ system have built a captive workforce separated from the mainstream workforce. This ultimately produces and reproduces slavery–laden labour controls. An opaque but punitive incentive system, sunset-sunrise working hours, maximum engagement, and the restrictions of promotion to managerial posts are constant reminders of the historically rooted indentured labour system. This article contributes to understanding modern slavery in an organisational context and the obstacles that prevent ‘free’ labourers from walking away from exploitative conditions. Organisational sites such as tea plantations present clear examples of how specific types of labour control restrict freedom of choice and produce ‘willing slaves’.

Suggested Citation

  • Khandakar Shahadat & Shahzad Uddin, 2022. "Labour Controls, Unfreedom and Perpetuation of Slavery on a Tea Plantation," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 36(3), pages 522-538, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:36:y:2022:i:3:p:522-538
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170211021567
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alawattage, Chandana & Wickramasinghe, Danture, 2008. "Appearance of accounting in a political hegemony," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 293-339.
    2. Aufhauser, R. Keith, 1973. "Slavery and Scientific Management," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 33(4), pages 811-824, December.
    3. Stephanie Barrientos & Uma Kothari & Nicola Phillips, 2013. "Dynamics of Unfree Labour in the Contemporary Global Economy," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(8), pages 1037-1041, August.
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