Aalten, July, 30th 2024. Dibella has now paid an inflationary adjustment to the Pakistani workers in the production facility who produce the bed linen for the company. In Pakistan, where one of the company’s main suppliers is based, persistently high inflation is putting a considerable strain on the living conditions of the workers employed there.
The total amount of €10,000.00 was handed over in the form of a symbolic cheque by Dibella's CSR Manager Michaela Gnass and Purchasing Manager Simon Bartholomes during a business trip in April. After the ceremony with a festive speech, which was simultaneously translated into sign language for the deaf, Sidra Mahmood, HR Manager at Lucky Textile Mills Limited, accepted the cheque on behalf of the employees.
Although Lucky Textile Mills Limited is a pioneer in the Pakistani textile industry and is committed to the welfare of its emplyees, Dibella is also keen to contribute to the welfare of the workers. ‘In the company, a total of 174 employees are exclusively responsible for the production of our textiles. We regard them as part of the Dibella team and therefore enquire about the needs of the people who work for us during every visit,’ explains Dibella's Purchasing Manager Simon Bartholomes. One concern has dominated past visits: the impact of inflation on their own living situation.
The symbolic cheque was handed over during a festive ceremony.
Personal exchange
The official part of the cheque handover was followed by a personal exchange. Some employees told Michaela Gnass and Simon Bartholomes what they would be using the extra money for. One mother said that she will use it to pay her children's school fees. A young employee will pay outstanding bills and another employee will use the money to pay off a loan. All the responses Dibella received were characterised by heartfelt gratitude.
Inflation in Pakistan
According to official figures, inflation in 2022 was just under 20%. In the following year, it was already at 30% - partly due to extremely high energy prices - although there is talk of a much higher figure behind closed doors. The National Assembly did adjust the state minimum wage. For 2023, it was increased by 28% to 32,000 Pakistani rupees (PKR) (equivalent to around EUR 107) and adjusted again to PKR 37,000 for 2024/2025. However, the effect fizzled out as soon as the new lower limit for the remuneration of labour was decided.