Many workers who make garments sold by top fashion retailers in Southern California's garment-sewing industry are still victims of wage theft and illegal pay practices, according to the 2022 Southern California Garment Survey by the US Department of Labor. The survey, which collected data from over 50 contractors and manufacturers, found violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 80 per cent of investigations, with employers illegally paying workers off the books in more than 50 per cent of cases.
The survey also found that 32 per cent of contractors paid garment workers piece-rate wages, which is now prohibited by the State of California. Contractors and manufacturers surveyed included those producing garments for top national retailers.
In one particular case, investigators learned that a contractor paid garment workers as little as $1.58 per hour. In response, investigations by the division’s Southern California district offices recovered over $892,000 in back wages and liquidated damages for 296 workers.
The survey also found that sewing fees paid by manufacturers to contractors were often not enough for them to pay their workers required minimum wages. On average, the sewing fee was $2.75 below the amount needed per garment to comply with federal wage standards. Contractors who paid employees in compliance with the law received a higher sewing fee, ranging from $17.50 to $35 per garment.
The US Department of Labor is taking action to ensure compliance with...
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