A recent California Labor Commissioner’s Office report has shed light on workers' dire situation
The Los Angeles garment industry has been scrutinized for years, and a recent California Labor Commissioner’s Office report has shed light on workers' dire situation.
The report revealed that workers in the industry are paid a shockingly low rate, as little as $1.58 an hour compared to the $14 minimum wage, sparking warranted outrage and a necessary call-out on the industry.
According to the Labor Department, companies responsible for these highly illegal wage theft practices include Dillard’s, Lulus, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Socialite, Stitch Fix, and Von Maur.
“Investigators found that out of 77 apparel manufacturers inspected over the past year, 93% were in violation of wage and hour laws, and 72% owed back wages. The total amount owed is nearly $1.5 million,” CBS News reported.
The report found that not only are many workers not being paid liveable wages for their time and labor but also not being paid for all hours worked. Despite California’s long-time explicit ban on paying workers based on the number of items produced, about one-third of apparel manufacturers continue to do so, compared to legal hourly rate compensation.
It is essential to note the demographics of the affected workers, including the majority being women, who are often paid less than their male counterparts. Workers susceptible to this drastic wage gap are often immigrants and people of color, who may face language barriers, discrimination, and lack of resources or knowledge to advocate for their rights.
Wage and Hour Regional Administrator Ruben Rosalez said, “Many people shopping for clothes in stores and online are likely unaware that the ‘Made in the USA’ merchandise they’re buying was, in fact, made by people earning far less than the U.S. law requires.”
As a fellow Angeleno, the cost of living is some of the highest it has ever been. With recession just about looming, this unjust wage theft is inconceivable in this economic climate. This report could not have come at a more crucial time as consumers should aim to be more aware of these illegal wage practices, especially as the American dollar continues its general decline and its value becomes more of a sick joke.
As consumers, we have a choice to consume more consciously. By putting Google to work, we can be more mindful of our inadvertent contributions to corporations that continue to grow richer, profiting off rigged capitalism and making it harder for the everyday person to afford a sensible life.
It is much easier to look at ourselves as a society and grow consciousness around stopping our contributions to corporations and situations that exploit the everyday person. However, I do not entirely agree that taking responsibility is wholly up to us - because the fault lies innately in the hands of the creators of such economic structures, who benefit most from our submission.
Naturally, the next time I come across a label that reads “Made in the USA,” it’ll ring a reminder of America’s colonialist history and its rebranded uniform today.
No thanks.