This Christmas, fashion’s unseen workers shared their stories – and are changing their futures.
This year, homeworkers in India came together to share their own stories – photographing the daily reality they face as unrecognised workers in fashion supply chains.
You can see their photographs here, which share stories of unacceptable working conditions, low wages, and show the impact of work without basic protections, like pensions or sick leave. But they also show stories of hope – of solidarity, family, friendship, and the ongoing fight for a brighter future.
Kamalam, who took the photograph below, explains:
“Everyone here works outside their homes to protect the home from the dust and fibres, and to save money on light and energy. During the rains, we can’t work, but the rain is scattered and doesn’t come often. Her name is Kaniyammaa. She has children but they don’t take care of her, so she and her husband work. The children have moved out, but she doesn’t complain about them – she just gets on with doing this work to earn. In India, if your children don’t take care of you, that’s no good. You put everything into your children. I asked her what happens when she gets too old to work, and she said ‘let me do until I can no longer work – after that, it’s up to the Gods.’ This lady is part of Anukatham, who are fighting for the recognition of homeworkers – this would mean she was able to have a pension. She said to me ‘If we don’t win this fight for a pension, you are a woman too – you can take care of me!’ Factory workers get a lump sum of money when they retire, or they can access that money as a pension, but right now, homebased workers do not.”
Homeworkers are demanding change – to be acknowledged as workers, rather than ignored and hidden as subcontractors. Fashion brands try hard to hide their stories – often denying their existence, or claiming ignorance of subcontracting.
Together, we can support their fight for recognition as workers, and put pressure on UK brands to reveal their policies and acknowledge homeworkers. Recognition is key to change – as formal workers, they can negotiate wages, access pensions, sick pay, and maternity leave, as well as basic health and safety protections.
This time of year, clothing sales increase dramatically – but the income of those who make the clothes does not. As people up and down the country buy gifts for their loved ones, will you give a final gift this Christmas – the impact of which will last well beyond the festive season - and stand with homeworkers fighting for a fair deal?