Are the farmers and factory workers at the far end of retail chains being paid a living wage? Although this question seems straightforward, it reveals a complex issue for retailers managing extensive supply chains with numerous intermediaries. Earning a living wage means that workers receive sufficient pay to afford a decent standard of living for themselves and their families.
The challenge isn’t about lack of will but rather the absence of comprehensive, reliable data to ensure that workers receive a wage that truly supports their basic needs.
But data is not static; it evolves with the changing global landscape. A recent example is the coffee industry, where farmers are facing declining harvests due to climate change. This crisis is pushing many below the poverty line and threatening their livelihoods. Such dynamic changes underscore the need for continuous, location-specific data for retailers who are committed to fair trade and must adhere to regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
The gap between the promise of fair wages and the reality faced by workers remains significant. At ImpactBuying, we are driven by the need to close this gap, focusing on hard evidence rather than estimates. Our approach involves gathering accurate, detailed data to verify whether workers are truly receiving a living wage, thereby ensuring that our commitments translate into real improvements in wages and working conditions. Understanding what a living wage is and how to verify this gap is the only way to start closing it. Learn more about this crucial process by visiting our webpage: Living Wage & Living Income Training . By understanding and verifying the living wage gap, we can drive lasting change in supply chains.
Our goal is to make a proven positive impact, transforming our commitments into reality and ensuring that all workers are fairly compensated. We invite you to join us in building a future where fair compensation is not just an aspiration but a guaranteed right for every worker. To learn more about how we tackle these challenges and the importance of living wages, watch our latest video featuring Roos Vergeldt, our Consultancy & Academy Manager.
