FOR EVERY iPHONE SOLD
LESS THAN 2% OF PROFITS
GOES TO THE WORKERS.
Xiaowu and many other factory workers are regularly forced to work overtime in order to earn a living wage. Xiaowu works 70 hours a week to earn a living wage.
What is a living wage?
The remuneration received for a standard workweek by a worker in a particular place sufficient to afford a decent standard of living for the worker and her or his family. Elements of a decent standard of living include food, water, housing, education, health care, transportation, clothing, and other essential needs including provision for unexpected events.
How is a living wage calculated?
The Anker Methodology is a widely accepted and published new methodology to estimate living wages that is both internationally comparable and locally specific. It was developed by living wage experts Richard Anker (formerly ILO) and Martha Anker (formerly WHO), who spent over 15 years testing and perfecting the various aspects of the methodology. The methodology has catalyzed global action on living wage and has been used to estimate living wage in rural, urban, and peri-urban areas around the world.
Living wage vs. minimum wage?
Minimum wage and living wage have the same objectives—to ensure full-time workers don’t live in poverty. Minimum wage is a legal construct that is required by law, whereas living wage is currently a voluntary construct. As governments set minimum wage, they are balancing two competing objectives, to reduce poverty and provide for the needs of workers and their families. Living wage estimates are established outside of a political process and are normative based.
According to China Labour Bulletin, most factory workers are forced to live in low-rent, poor quality housing, spend most of their income on food, and walk to and from work to avoid transportation costs.
The average monthly worker in Shenzhen, earning minimum wage, makes 2960¥ (435.88 USD) in 2020, without overtime and before deductions.
Whats the difference?
- Living Wage
- Minimum Wage
- Living Wage
- Minimum Wage
How can you get involved?
Living wage is a global movement. Meet our impact partners below to see the work they do to fight for living wage.
China Labor Watch
China Labor Watch increases transparency of supply chains and factory labor conditions, advocates for workers' rights, and supports the Chinese labor movement.
Learn More
Remake
Remake is a nonprofit organization making fashion a force for good by empowering women to advocate for fair wages and eliminate injustice in the fashion industry.
Learn More
Social Accountability International
Social Accountability International (SAI) is a global non-governmental organization advancing human rights at work.
Learn More
GoodElectronics
The GoodElectronics Network connects and empowers organisations and individuals working to improve human rights in the global electronics supply chain.
Learn More