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LIVING WAGE PROJECT – Together for living wages
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Taking responsibility where it begins
Fair fashion starts with people being paid fairly. Yet in many production countries, legal minimum wages do not cover the actual cost of living. With the Living Wage Project, we are taking a stand for social fairness and income that truly enables a decent life throughout the supply chain. Our goal: earnings people can genuinely live on.
A bonus with real impact
In 2024, 334 employees of our Indian partner Kaniska Garments received a one-off bonus of 76 euros each – totalling 27,000 euros. Locally, this equals roughly an additional month’s base salary and makes a meaningful difference in everyday life. The payment was transferred directly to individual bank accounts to ensure full transparency and avoid overlap with regular wages or overtime pay. The local NGO SAVE supported the process to ensure that all payments were received correctly and in full.
Visible improvements in daily life
The extra income helped employees build savings, pay for medical treatment or support their children’s education. What may seem like a small contribution has a significant and direct impact locally – and strengthens trust in fair collaboration.
The journey continues
This project is an important step, but not the final goal. One-off payments cannot solve the structural issue – but they show that change is possible. Marc O’Polo continues to work on long-term solutions that ensure living incomes in all production countries. Through close partnerships, open dialogue and our commitment to dignified working conditions, we aim to improve the lives of the people who make our clothing.