GRI Draft Standards Push Apparel Sector Towards Transparency, Worker Rights
The global textiles and apparel sector, which employs over 90 million workers, predominantly women, migrants, caste-affected groups and refugees, remains plagued by poverty wages, unsafe conditions, and systemic discrimination, according to Peter Dawkins, Senior Manager at GRI Standards.
In a new article, Dawkins stresses that entrenched inequalities based on gender, migration status, caste, and ethnicity deny workers fair pay, dignity, and safe workplaces. Harassment, violence, exploitative contracts, and exclusion from leadership continue to fuel a multi-trillion-dollar industry built on exploitation.
GRI has released its draft Textiles and Apparel Sector Standard, open for public consultation until 28 September, aimed at enforcing greater transparency on wages, working conditions, biodiversity, and climate risks. The move follows the revision of GRI Labor Standards, with updated drafts on Diversity & Inclusion (GRI 405) and Non-Discrimination & Equal Opportunity (GRI 406), open for feedback until 15 September.
Dawkins said transformation requires more than pledges: “Safe and dignified work, independent monitoring, living wages, and representation for women and migrants are essential.”
GRI urged stakeholders to contribute perspectives to shape standards that can ensure accountability, safeguard rights, and drive a just transition toward sustainability.
