Brisbane-based activewear company Lorna Jane is the first Australian brand to ensure its workers overseas are paid a living wage, as a result of Oxfam program.
Oxfam Australia’s Economic Justice Strategic Lead Nayeem Emran said the clothing retailer had increased transparency and reporting on wage payments to all garment workers at their apparel factory.
Mr Emran said the human rights organisation had been working with Lorna Jane for over two years as part of the What She Makes campaign, which has been active for more seven years.
“Lorna Jane is the first brand involved in the campaign to complete a wage gap analysis, implement back pay and achieve payment of a living wage to all workers,” he said.
“With a relatively small supply chain consisting of just one apparel factory in China, Lorna Jane has a high level of control over conditions within the factory.”
Mr Emran said Lorna Jane’s progress was a significant milestone for the campaign.
“Over the past two years, since being added to Oxfam’s Company Tracker, Lorna Jane has shown a genuine commitment to ensuring living wages for its workers.”
Lorna Jane CEO Anna Fowler said the company believed in the dignity of all work and was committed to ensuring every person in their supply chain was treated with respect, empowered through fair employment practices and supported by living wages.
Mr Emran said Oxfam Australia’s What She Makes campaign worked with Australian brands to ensure that the women who made their clothes were empowered to live healthy lives through the payment of a living wage.
“However, despite pressure from Oxfam and its supporters, many Australian and International brands have yet to make a public commitment to conduct a wage gap analysis, which is the current required step on the journey to ensuring living wages.”
