The Worker Behind Your T-Shirt Deserves More Than a Living Wage

India's garment industry employs over 12 million workers - the majority of them women. They stitch the clothes worn by consumers across the world. But behind every label is a story of health risks, financial vulnerability, and limited workplace rights.

A living wage is important. But it is not enough.

A worker earning ₹12,000 a month who has no health insurance, no savings buffer, and no awareness of her rights under POSH is still vulnerable. One health crisis, one instance of harassment, one predatory loan - and her financial stability collapses.

What workers actually need:

Access to health services that are affordable and accessible

Financial literacy and formal savings and credit products

Safety from harassment and a trusted grievance mechanism

Awareness of government schemes they are entitled to

A voice in the decisions that affect their working lives

Upfront Global works directly with factory workers, street vendors, construction workers, and informal workers across 19 Indian states and 13 countries to deliver integrated workforce wellbeing programmes.

Because a fair wage is the floor - not the ceiling.