When fashion companies tell you about where their clothes are made and what they pay garment workers … There’s something missing.
Stuff companies say…
We are already committed to paying a living wage.
AND HOW TO RESPOND…
That’s missing a lot. A credible commitment requires a timeline with milestones showing how and when a company will achieve living wages in its supply chain. It’s great to know a company cares about ethical sourcing, but promises are empty without real timelines and plans in place against which a company can be held accountable.
Stuff companies say…
We cannot commit to anything publicly. This needs to be quiet.
AND HOW TO RESPOND…
That’s missing a lot. A commitment towards ensuring payment of living wages in your supply chain can only be credible if it is public and time-bound. Consumers want to know which companies are making progress towards living wages for the women who make our clothes. And your suppliers are more likely to get on board with living wage plans if your company is publicly stating your commitment.
Stuff companies say…
We take social responsibility very seriously and are working on a roadmap to pay living wages.
AND HOW TO RESPOND…
That’s missing a lot. Why don’t you solidify that plan by making a clear, public commitment right now that outlines your time frame?
Stuff companies say…
There is no universally agreed methodology for calculating living wages, so we benchmark against the legal minimum wage. We are working with stakeholders to adopt a living wage benchmark.
AND HOW TO RESPOND…
That’s missing a lot. I know well-established living wage calculation methodologies are already in place – you can find them on the Global Living Wage Coalition and Asia Floor Wage Alliance websites. This is no excuse for continuing the practice of allowing poverty wages.
Stuff companies say…
We only work with suppliers that respect their workforce, which includes paying living wages.
AND HOW TO RESPOND…
That’s missing a lot. I know well-established living wage calculation methodologies are already in place – you can find them on the Global Living Wage Coalition and Asia Floor Wage Alliance websites. This is no excuse for continuing the practice of allowing poverty wages.
Stuff companies say…
We have not published the factory list but we have full traceability of those factories and work with them closely to improve working conditions
AND HOW TO RESPOND…
That’s missing a lot. It’s great that you know who your suppliers are, but you need to publish your factory list now. Many major brands around the globe have done this, including Lululemon — and you are lagging behind. Not publishing the factory list can put workers in danger and means you are not taking public responsibility for the conditions in the factories you use to make a profit. It’s high time to publish the list now to allow workers and others to alert you of any abuses in these factories.
Keep reading Stuff Companies Say … And How To Respond:
WHAT YOU CAN DO…
Join us and have your say by telling @Roots @Aritzia @Lululemon @Herschel and @JoeFresh to pay a living wage to the women that make our clothes. Sign the pledge and demand that Canadian brands make a credible, public, time-bound commitment to paying a living wage.
Together, we can hold Canadian brands accountable for #WhatSheMakes.
