In September 2019, G-Star RAW joined the ACT (Action, Collaboration, Transformation) initiative. ACT is a ground-breaking agreement between global brands/retailers and IndustriALL Global Union (the global trade union federation). The mission of this group is to transform the garment, textile and footwear sector and achieve living wages for workers through collective bargaining at industry level.

All ACT member brands, including G-Star RAW, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing themselves to ensure that their purchasing practices facilitate the payment of a living wage. By working with employers, trade unions and governments in key garment producing countries, ACT brings together all relevant actors to achieve a sustainable and productive garment industry based on wages and working conditions that are freely negotiated and meet people’s needs.

As part of the membership, G-Star will adopt the ACT commitments on purchasing practices that will guide relationships with suppliers worldwide. These commitments include five essential areas: fair terms of payment, full coverage of wage increase in FOB prices, better forecasting and planning, training and responsible exit. The ACT accountability and monitoring framework specifies the purchasing practices indicators per commitment and is a monitoring instrument to measure progress towards full implementation of these commitments of all ACT member brands. G-Star continues to commit to making a positive change within the textile industry and while it is a challenge to ensure that all workers receive a living wage, G Star strive to improve wages within the supply chain as part of its internal Fair Wage strategy. With the ACT membership, we can continue our journey and work on sustainable, impactful solutions to achieve living wages.