Collaborative Approach
About the data
The solution to the problem of low wages will involve a number of key players in supply chains being willing to work together, namely brands, suppliers, unions (local, national and global), employer federations and governments. This will require trust and partnership between all parties being built over time. A willingness to be transparent also plays a key role. It is vital that brands play their part in initiating partnerships with corporate and labour stakeholders. Vitally important in all of this is the engagement of workers and their organisations in the design and implementation of any projects to increase wages. So often these partners are overlooked or only briefly consulted.
Practical steps we were looking for evidence of included:
- Partnership projects with local and international independent trade unions
- Central worker involvement in all projects
- Collaborations with other brands
- Membership of credible MSIs
- Work to publicly support national demands for minimum-wage increases to production-country governments
- Disclosure of supplier lists and a commitment to transparent working
Methodology
The campaign defines Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week shall meet at least legal or industry minimum standards and always be sufficient to meet basic needs of workers and their families and to provide some discretionary income. (See p.98 of the report)
In this report, fifty of the most influential or strategic companies retailing in Europe were approached to take part in the study. These represent a mixture of fashion, sportswear, budget and supermarket retailers, as well as luxury fashion brands. Check whether the company you would like answers to this metric has participated in the Campaign’s search and add the score the campaign has determined in relation to collaborative approach?