#6 Decent work, job security and wages increase as production volumes fall

Garment pricing reflects the true cost of labour, triggering a rise in living wages and a decrease in overtime and production volumes. Slower production models underpin a just fashion system to minimise emissions, halt global warming and restore biodiversity. Governments co-develop plans for transforming clothing production. All changes are carefully negotiated with workers and their unions to prevent sudden job losses, workplace closures and income insecurity. Wage guarantees, social protections and alternative employment pathways provide greater job security. Workers receive advance notice of workplace closures and are entitled to severance pay. Responsible exit plans ensure no one is left behind.

Reskilling and upskilling opportunities offer workers safer, more climate-resilient jobs or alternative employment as the industry responds to a changing climate. Trade relations and international support equip production countries to build up their own economic power in other sectors to facilitate global equity in the creation of new green jobs. Global brands, suppliers, investors and governments take shared responsibility for safeguarding jobs by providing long-term sourcing and re-training opportunities.

Definitions

• Planetary boundaries: Nine interconnected life supporting systems that regulate the stability of the planet. Remaining within these limits will prevent irreversible environmental changes.

• Severance pay: A financial package workers are entitled to when their employment is involuntarily ended, for example when a workplace closes or their position is made redundant.