While there’s been some progress when it comes to tackling fashion’s impact on the planet in recent years, the conversation around the industry’s treatment of garment workers—and the need to pay them a living wage—has seriously lagged behind. That’s why in Bangladesh, thousands of garment workers have taken to the streets to call for a fair minimum wage, amid ongoing negotiations.
“ increase that unions are asking for is not even enough, technically speaking, inflation and the crisis the country’s going through.” Currently, even where there are two earners in a family, total expenditure exceeds their combined income. Worryingly, a survey by Asia Floor Wage Alliance found that garment workers’ daily food intake is well below the recommended amount.