Many NGOs and workers’ union have urged brands to act responsibly in these tough times and contribute to apparel and textile industry workers’ relief.
Tamil Nadu Textile and Common Labour Union (TTCU), Garment Labour Union (GLU), Karnataka Garment Workers Union (KOOGU), Garment and Allied Workers Union (GAWU), Hosiery Workers Unity Centre (HWUC) and Mill Mazdoor Panchayat (MMP), among others have come forward and strongly urged for the same.
The issue becomes more important as so far there is no clarity on how Indian apparel factories are going to pay the April salary to the workers.
Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA) also recently proposed that brands calculate their Supply-chain Relief Contribution (SRC) as an additional 2 per cent of the total sourcing by the brand from the preceding 12 months at the respective factory.
The SRC should be structured as a pass through from the brands to the suppliers, payable directly to the workers.
It is imperative to mention that if brands honour this contribution for their supplier factories, then every worker would end up getting a modest yet a significant contribution especially in these challenging times.
AFWA is an international alliance of trade unions and labour right activists who are working together to demand garment workers are paid a living wage.
