Growing Together Through Fair Trade Leadership

When Raja joined Skyline, a Fair Trade Certified apparel factory in southern India 13 years ago, he started as an office assistant. Today, he is the Quality Supervisor, a role he earned through experience and developing technical skills. His journey, within a workforce of over 350 people, shows the stability and growth possible through long-term employment. Raja also served for five years as Secretary of the Fair Trade Committee, where he helped manage Community Development Funds and coordinate worker-led decisions. Through regular meetings and voting, workers discussed priorities and allocated funds to address real needs. "There are a lot of poor families. It is a big benefit for us," Raja explains. Committee members carefully reviewed how many people required support and how available funds could be distributed fairly, reinforcing respect, transparency, and collective ownership over decisions. Between January and November 2025, the committee approved a total investment of $38,640 USD across four projects. A monthly savings scheme received $8,100 USD, helping 331 workers manage their expenses more predictably. Festive coupons for Pongal and Deepavali, totaling $22,720 USD, supported 314 families by easing seasonal costs. An innerwear coupon project was funded with $5,780 USD, giving 346 workers access to quality undergarments for comfort and confidence. Additionally, $2,040 USD was invested in distributing nutritious dry fruits to 350 workers to support stronger immunity. "The company is developing us and we are developing the company." For Raja, the value of these initiatives lies in how the decisions were made. He believes the process of discussion and voting builds trust between workers and management and strengthens the sense of fairness across the factory. Being part of these decisions, Raja says, shows mutual responsibility at work.