The fashion industry permeates every aspect of modern-day culture, from what we wear, to what we buy, to what we deem desirable. Yet this overarching influence carries a significant human cost – one that most people spend very little time thinking about.
It’s estimated that one in eight workers worldwide are connected to the fashion industry. However, a tiny percentage – only 2% according to industry experts – receive what is considered a ‘Living Wage.’
What is a Living Wage?
The Global Living Wage Coalition defines a Living Wage as: “The remuneration received for a standard workweek by a worker in a particular place sufficient to afford a decent standard of living for the worker and their family. Elements of a decent standard of living include food, water, housing, education, health care, transportation, clothing, and other essential needs including provision for unexpected events.”
It differs from Minimum Wage, which is a legal construct required by law in the relevant country, whereas a Living Wage is currently a voluntary construct.
Why the Widespread Implementation of a Living Wage in the Fashion Industry Matters:
In an era marked by growing economic disparities and social inequalities, the Living Wage movement stands as a beacon of hope for equitable labour practices and fair wages. It forms an integral part of the fashion industry’s ongoing shift towards sustainable and ethical production processes.
This is a core pillar of the upcoming Sydney Global Sourcing Expo, which will take place from 12-14 June 2024 at the International Convention Centre. The event brings together hundreds of world-class exhibitors from over 15 countries to showcase apparel, footwear, textiles and homeware products. Entry to the Expo is free for trade visitors.
The Expo has a long history of connecting Australian and New Zealand fashion buyers with international suppliers that not only provide top-quality products, but also adhere to ethical labour practices.
These underlying principles also form the foundation of the co-located Global Sourcing Seminar program, where key industry thought leaders will share strategies to guide brands in creating sourcing strategies that are both sustainable and ethical.
While some apparel companies have resisted increasing worker wages out of concerns that increased production costs will alienate price-conscious consumers, the Global Sourcing Seminar program’s Living Wage panel discussion will highlight a local company that has successfully implemented the initiative – Outland Denim.
Outland Denim was built on the philosophy that fashion can be the answer to vast and crucial social change: creating a cycle of freedom rather than exploitation. CEO James Bartle, a pioneer of sustainable fashion has taken a somewhat radical approach to this, specifically hiring at-risk young women and providing funding for personal development programs that include language and self-defence classes.
In the panel discussion, James will offer first-hand experiences and reflections on implementing the Living Wage within his company. Complementing this practical perspective, he will be joined by Professor Shelley Marshall of RMIT University, who will draw on empirical research to explore the impetus for a Living Wage and the challenges businesses encounter in securing it within their supply chains. Completing the panel, strategic human rights advisor and Churchill Fellow Melinda Tually will delve into actionable strategies for brands to embark on their Living Wage journeys, highlighting diverse approaches being employed across the globe.
The panellists will unpack how, in order to achieve a Universal Living Wage, each player in the supply chain needs to support a Living Wage in their own capacity. This includes retailers, brands, supplier companies, government, unions and other labour groups.
“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring workers earn a decent living and our dynamic panel will give attendees a variety of approaches to help them determine how best to implement this important initiative in their own unique context,” says Global Sourcing Expo organiser Marie Kinsella.
The ’Pursuing Social Justice: The Impact of the Living Wage Movement’ panel discussion will take place from 2.30-3.30pm on Thursday, 13 June at the International Convention Centre in Sydney as part of the Sydney Global Sourcing Expo. Tickets cost $40 +gst and can be purchased here: https://globalsourcingexpo.com.au/global-sourcing-seminars/