Garment Workers Push for Wage Increase as Brands Launch Vision Initiative
Garment workers in Bangladesh are pushing for a minimum wage increase before the year ends, amidst ongoing wage issues exacerbated by the pandemic. Meanwhile, a collaborative effort by major fashion brands aims to improve workers' lives through a unique initiative.
The Clear Vision Workplace initiative, led by VisionSpring, is providing vision screenings and eyeglasses to over 500,000 footwear and apparel supply chain workers in Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam over the next two years. Participating companies include Levi Strauss, VF Corp., Warby Parker, and Deckers. Warby Parker funds the eyeglasses dispensed through the program. So far, VisionSpring has already provided glasses to 188,000 factory workers, with 78% being their first pair.
One in three workers who participated in the project experienced uncorrected blurry vision, highlighting the need for such initiatives. Each company arranges and pays for the vision screenings within their supply chain. This comes as proposed regulations in the European Union and the United States target increased transparency and better working conditions for fashion industry supply chain workers.
The Clear Vision Workplace initiative, backed by prominent fashion brands, is addressing a pressing need among garment workers. As wage issues persist, this effort demonstrates a commitment to improving workers' lives beyond financial compensation. The success of this project could pave the way for further initiatives aimed at enhancing working conditions in the fashion industry's supply chain.
