Garment Workers

As a garment worker in the United States, your employer must:

  • Pay you at least the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour for all hours worked, even if you are paid at piece rates. Some state laws provide a higher minimum wage.
  • Pay you 1 ½ times your regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, even if you are paid at piece rates. Some state laws provide greater employee protections.
  • Keep records of all wages paid and all hours worked. Work on garments at home is normally prohibited.

We enforce these laws for all workers, regardless of immigration status. It is illegal for you to be fired or retaliated against for contacting us or exercising your rights

Children under 16 may not work in the garment industry.

  • 16 years old is the minimum age to perform garment production.

How to file a complaint:

Resources: