Clean Clothes Campaign holds Living Wage Action Day

The Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) is holding Living Wage Action Day to advocate for a global movement toward living wages in the garment industry. The initiative aims to ensure workers can meet fundamental needs and live with dignity.

A living wage is defined as compensation earned within a regular work week that allows workers to provide for themselves and their families. This includes access to food, adequate housing, energy, water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and transport. The campaign notes that statutory minimum wages often fall significantly below these required levels.

The global apparel business model is cited as a primary driver of wage gaps. Factors such as low purchase prices, short delivery windows, and sudden order changes place immense pressure on suppliers. This pressure is frequently passed down to employees through low wages, piece-rate systems, excessive working hours, and job insecurity. Additionally, the campaign highlights that climate change impacts workers through extreme heat, which can lead to reduced income when work must be slowed or interrupted.