Publication of a list with recommendations of benchmark values for Living Wages

The Partnership for Sustainable Textiles compiled a list of recommended Living Wage benchmarks for its members.

(Living) Wages and social benefits are one of the eleven sector risks in the textile industry defined by the OECD. Therefore, in order to fulfill their due diligence obligations with regard to wages, companies are required to analyse the extent to which wages paid secure the basic needs of workers and their families. In practice, it is often difficult for companies to independently calculate whether wages paid meet the basic needs of workers and their families. Recognized living wage benchmarks help to assess the extent to which there are risks of discrepancies in the supply chain between actual wages and those needed to meet basic needs.

The contents of the list are created and maintained by the Fair Wear Foundation. The document provides brands and retailers with an overview of what data should be used to analyze the wage gap in different sourcing countries. Members of the Textiles Partnership can find the list in the internal members area. They are advised to use the list to identify their specific risks in relation to wages. The list thus serves as a supplement to the Living Wage Guidance (DE and - German multi-stakeholder delegation visits India).