‘We work non-stop’: LA garment workers toil for top brands and earn paltry rate, 17 August 2021

Thousands of garment workers in Los Angeles who make…clothing for a variety of well-known fashion labels are paid less than minimum wage through a piece-rate payment system that compensates workers just a few cents per article of clothing.

Workers say they typically work from 7am to 6pm Monday through Friday, and an additional five hours on Saturday – about 60 hours a week with no overtime pay, which results in overall wages at $5 an hour or less…

Worker groups are pushing for the passage of a California state bill, SB62, the Garment Worker Protection Act, which would end the piece-rate payment system...ensuring workers are paid at least the minimum wage per hour.

The legislation would also enforce joint liability for brands that benefit from the production of their clothing in these factories, but are not held accountable...

Some employers and industry groups have aggressively opposed the legislation, including the California Chamber of Commerce, which has listed the legislation on its “job killer” list. A coalition of more than 140 brands and businesses has signed on in support of the bill in a push for more ethical and sustainable fashion...