fair wages

The textile industry’s global supply chains are marred by labor exploitation, with millions of workers facing poor conditions, low wages, and unsafe workplaces. In countries like Bangladesh and India, garment workers earn as little as $2–$3 daily, far below living wages. The 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, killing over 1,100 workers, exposed systemic issues, yet exploitation persists. Complex supply chains obscure accountability. Brands outsource to subcontractors, distancing themselves from violations. Fast fashion’s demand for quick, cheap production pressures factories to cut corners, leading to excessive overtime and child labor. Women, who comprise 80% of the workforce, face additional risks like harassment and discrimination. Enforcing ethical standards is challenging. Audits often fail to detect violations due to falsified records or lack of transparency. Workers fear retaliation for reporting abuses, and unions are suppressed in many regions. Consumers demand ethical fashion, but willingness to pay more is limited, squeezing margins for fair-wage factories. Progress requires stronger regulations, like the EU’s due diligence laws, and brand accountability for subcontractors. Empowering workers through unions and ensuring living wages are critical steps. Consumers can support ethical brands, but systemic change hinges on global cooperation to prioritize human rights over profit in textile production.