As part of the ‘Bridge to Action’ series, GBL Ventures organised the event “Labor Challenges – Is Worker Wellbeing the Missing Link?”. The event delved deep into the pressing and often overlooked underlying challenges that  workers face across industries. The conversation revolved around understanding worker well-being, recognizing  hurdles faced by blue-collar workers, the impact of poor working conditions on both workers and businesses, but more importantly overarching issues such as the distribution of responsibility in the value chain and the inherently unfair distribution of wealth. . The central question simply was: what needs to change?

| Title: Labor Challenges – Is Worker Wellbeing the Missing Link?
| Date: September 21st 2023

Key Insights from the Event

1. One of the most systemic issues in the garment manufacturing and textile ecosystem is the unequal wealth distribution between commercial players. The financial burden often falls on the suppliers, while brands enjoy more fiscal freedom.
2.   The vulnerability of suppliers to sudden demand changes by brands exacerbates cost pressures. This, in turn, leads to cuts in worker benefits and reduced investments in improving working conditions. This results in a  vicious cycle where poor working conditions lead to reduced labor productivity, further intensifying cost pressures.
3. Even small gestures that make workers feel valued can significantly boost labor productivity. If we invest in making workers feel respected and offer them opportunities for upward mobility, the positive impact on both workers and businesses could be monumental.