Labour Behind the Label (LBL) is a UK-based non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of garment workers around the globe. Through research, campaigning, and consumer education, LBL works to expose labor abuses in the garment industry and hold brands accountable for their supply chains.
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The Dark Side of Fast Fashion
The fashion industry, particularly the fast fashion sector, is notorious for its exploitative labor practices. Garment workers, often women, in countries like Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam, face a range of abuses, including:
- Low Wages: Workers are paid poverty wages, barely enough to survive, let alone support their families.
- Long Hours: Excessive working hours, often exceeding legal limits, leave workers exhausted and with little time for rest or family.
- Unsafe Working Conditions: Garment factories are frequently overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and lack basic safety measures, leading to accidents and health hazards.
- Forced Overtime: Workers are pressured to work overtime without additional pay, further compromising their well-being.
- Discrimination and Harassment: Women workers face sexual harassment, discrimination, and violence in the workplace.
- Lack of Union Rights: Workers are often denied the right to form unions or collectively bargain for better working conditions.
LBL's Mission
Labour Behind the Label's mission is to address these issues by:
- Research and Investigation: Conducting in-depth research to expose labor abuses and identify the brands responsible.
- Campaigning: Organizing campaigns to pressure brands and governments to take action to improve working conditions.
- Consumer Education: Empowering consumers to make informed choices by providing information about ethical brands and labor practices.
- Supporting Worker Organizing: Working with trade unions and worker organizations to build power and improve working conditions.
Key Campaigns
LBL has been involved in numerous successful campaigns, including:
- Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety: LBL played a crucial role in the formation of this historic agreement, which holds brands accountable for the safety of garment factories in Bangladesh.
- Ethical Fashion Index: LBL has been a partner in the Ethical Fashion Index, a global initiative that ranks fashion brands based on their ethical and social performance.
- Living Wage Campaigns: LBL has campaigned for living wages for garment workers in various countries, including Bangladesh and India.
How You Can Get Involved
You can support Labour Behind the Label's work in several ways:
- Donate: Contribute to their vital work by making a donation.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support their campaigns and projects.
- Spread the Word: Share their information on social media and encourage others to get involved.
- Shop Ethically: Choose brands that are committed to ethical and sustainable practices.
- Write to Brands: Contact brands directly to express your concerns about their labor practices.
- Attend Events and Protests: Participate in LBL's events and protests to raise awareness and demand change.
By working together, we can create a more just and sustainable fashion industry. By supporting Labour Behind the Label, you can help to create a better future for garment workers around the world.
