This Fashion Revolution Week marks six years since the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh collapsed, killing 1,138 people and injuring another 2,500. This is a week dedicated to demanding change, to asking the hard questions of who made the products we consume, and supporting brands who are dedicated to making a difference.
A recent news article cited that the majority of garment workers in Ethiopia earn less than a living wage each month, and are often subject to workplace abuses such as losing pay for drinking water at their work stations.
These types of reports are why we exist. At Parker Clay, we care deeply about how our products are made, and who is making them. We are proud to have nearly doubled the number of employees at our factory this past quarter, with a goal of employing 150 women and men by the end of 2019. We are also proud to be Made in Ethiopia, and believe it's time the world knows that quality products are made by quality people and Ethiopia is world class at producing both.
We believe that employment goes way beyond a paycheck. Quality employment is a term we use often, which simply means that we believe in more than our artisans showing up to work each day. We care about their families, their well-being, and their personal and professional development. We are excited to share our most recent Quarterly Impact Update with you and just a few of the ways we carry this out.