What is Fair Trade?
Fair trade is an institutional arrangement designed to help producers in developing countries achieve better trading conditions. Fair Trade offers farmers and workers in developing countries better prices, improved terms of trade and the opportunity to improve their lives.
The Fair Trade seal indicates a business has passed rigorous standards, and specifically focuses on health and safety, positive working conditions and fair wages that are in line with several sustainable development goals.
After every three years, Fair Trade USA (FTUSA) gives the right to factory workers to choose their own Fair Trade Committee members at Al-Karam Textile Mills via elections. The Fair Trade Committee is empowered to use Fair Trade funds for the welfare of all workers.
Impact of fair trade
- Better working environment for workers.
- Better health facilities provided to workers due to Fair Trade.
- Environmentally sound production methods implemented.
- Fair wages for labour.
- Safe conditions and sustainable livelihoods.
Alkaram Aga Khan Health Clinic
To provide free on-site health services to our employees, Alkaram Textile Mills (AKTM) collaborated with Aga Khan Hospital. By utilizing Fair Trade funds an Aga Khan Health Clinic was built within the factory premises with the availability of qualified doctors, pharmacy and an emergency ward. More Than 3200 workers & their families are treated free of cost every year through this facility.
Free Pathological Services for Employees at Dr. Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic
Alkaram Textile Mills in collaboration of Fair Trade USA partnered with Dr. Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic, to provide free of cost and best quality pathological services to Alkaram employees. A unit of the lab providing basic services was instated within the mill along with the presence of professional medical staff.
Ration Distribution for workers during Covid-19 Crisis
More than 8,500 ration bags were distributed during COVID-19 crisis. The daily wagers and salaried staff were the people worst hit by this pandemic. Being a responsible employer with thousands of workers at our disposal, Alkaram Textile Mills in collaboration with Fair Trade USA decided to giveaway ration bags in support of our resilient employees to rise stronger during these tough times.
Father’s Day Celebration
Alkaram Textile Mills in collaboration with Fair Trade USA invited all employees who are proud fathers in order to show them gratitude and highlight the need for maintaining high decorum of the relation through showing maximum respect and honour. The day was marked with high spirits and enthusiasm and gifts were presented to all fathers.
Mother’s Day Celebration
A Mother’s Day celebration event was organized in collaboration with Fair Trade USA to show respect and appreciation to all the hard working mothers working at Alkaram Textile Mills. The day was dedicated to motherhood by conveying the hardships and sacrifices made by them to create a better future for their children. Flowers and gifts were presented to all mothers.
