Fair Share
A LIVING WAGE IS A HUMAN RIGHT. IT SHOULD COVER THE BASIC NEEDS OF THE WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, ALLOW FOR SOME SAVINGS AND MUST BE EARNED WITHIN A 48 HOURS WORKING WEEK.
Just a small increase in the price of the FAIR SHARE garment makes it possible to pay the poorest workers in the factory a wage increase of 50%. From the beginning of 2016 all the workers at the factory making these products in India receive an additional premium towards the living wage. The price premium of 10p (0.14€) per T-shirt and 54p (0.71€) per hoody is passed along the value chain, from the factory through to the retailer without being marked up, ensuring that the small additional cost at the point of sale is returned to the workers in its entirety.
Most garment workers are employed on the legal minimum wage, which is usually much below the living wage level. They earn more as they become better qualified and occupy more senior positions. However, even then they still do not earn as much as they need for a decent standard of living.
Since the start of the FAIR SHARE project in January 2016, all the workers receive a living wage premium with their monthly wages.
Workers’ testimonies: (collected in April 2016 after having received the FAIR SHARE premium for 3 months)
"I’m very happy about Fair Share, it helps me pay for my daughter’s school." "I use the extra money to pay for medications.“ "With the additional wage I can repay my debts." "I can save for my daughter’s marriage.“
www.fairsharefashion.com