Responsible Living Wage Standard (RLWS) Certification
The Responsible Living Wage Standard (RLWS) www.livingwagestandard.com is an international certification scheme designed to help companies worldwide close wage gaps and ensure fair, transparent, and responsible remuneration for workers. It provides a structured, auditable framework to determine whether organizations meet their responsibility to guarantee that workers receive a true living wage. This certification addresses one of today’s most urgent global ESG challenges—living wages—positioning Control Union as a trusted partner in delivering measurable, credible impact.
What is a Living Wage?
A living wage represents the minimum income a worker needs to cover the essential costs of living in a specific region – without falling into poverty. Unlike minimum wage, which is legally mandated, a living wage should cover housing, food, transportation, healthcare, clothing, communication, childcare, and a modest buffer for savings or emergencies.
The RLWS requires that calculations rely on IDH‑endorsed benchmarking methodologies (www.IDH.org).
Why this certification matters
With RLWS certification, companies gain:
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Independent verification and credibility
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Support for compliance with global due diligence laws
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Improved ESG scores and reporting quality
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A structured, achievable path for closing wage gaps
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Stronger brand reputation and stakeholder trust
Why this certification matters – and why it’s a game changer?
Across global supply chains, expectations for verified responsible wage practices are increasing rapidly. Brands, retailers, and suppliers face mounting pressure to demonstrate real progress in social sustainability. The RLWS offers:
• A clear and independent method to verify wage data
• Transparent reporting against living wage benchmarks
• Action plans that guide factories in closing gaps
• A credible certification aligned with ESG and due‑diligence expectations
Who can be certified?
The standard applies to all sectors and supply‑chain actors, including:
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Manufacturers and their suppliers
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Brand owners
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Service providers
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All supply‑chain entities up to the final B2B manufacturing stage
Certification steps
- Review the Responsible Living Wage Standard (https://www.livingwagestandard.com/)
- Select your certification scope (products, activities, or locations)
- Obtain living‑wage data using IDH‑endorsed sources (e.g., WageIndicator.org)
- Complete a self‑assessment or internal audit
- Contract, schedule, and undergo the official audit
- Receive certification
- Follow-up audits during the 3 years certificate validity period
Certification levels
Responsible Living Wage Standard Certified Provider – a living wage employer
• All workers earn above benchmark
• Full compliance with essential and progressive criteria
Responsible Living Wage On track – On‑track to be a living wage employer
• Majority of wage gaps closed
• Roadmap and credible improvement plan in place
Responsible Living Wage In progress – on an improvement pathway
• No verification yet achieved, but strong commitment to improvement
• Follow‑up audit conducted within four months
Our task & evidence solution
A streamlined platform for workflow automation, traceability, and compliance across industries. Task & Evidence improves project execution, collaboration, and operational efficiency.
How can we help you?
For enquiries, feedback, or complaints, please contact: Nithin Thorat — Your dedicated point of contact.
