Able, a US-based clothing, bags, and shoes brand, has taken a commendable step of disclosing the wages of its workers to the public. The brand has taken this step to protect and empower women and align with its mission to end generational poverty by providing economic opportunity to women. It is worth mentioning here that Able employs over 56 women. Another reason to make wages public is to encourage consumers to demand fair and more than minimum wages for the women workers that sew their clothes.
The company website reads, “Our dream is that in 10 years or sooner, publishing wages will be as common as nutritional facts labelled on your food.”
It currently pays US $ 14 an hour which is more than the local living wage. The scorecard shares the lowest wage paid in its manufacturing facility based in Nashville, USA. It further shows the minimum amount needed to meet basic needs. The scorecard also mentions the scores received on factors like equality, safety, and wages and benefits which are given by on-site audits, employee interviews, and verified company documents. Benefits include everything from maternity leave to financial literacy training.
The brand has opted for third-party audit from GoodOps which offers supply chain management audits. It further plans to take this initiative to its other factories globally. The company is in contract with factories in Ethiopia and other countries for their manufacturing. As the factory information is published, it will be linked to individual products on the brand’s website.
