|
 Printer-Friendly Version
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202 219-7316
Another task force investigation of the Los Angeles area garment
industry validates an earlier survey that showed monitoring contract sewing
shops by manufacturers increases compliance with federal labor laws, according
to the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor.
Of the 40 firms investigated last month, 18 (or 45 percent) were being
monitored. Preliminary results of the task force indicate that in monitored
shops, 82 percent of the employees were paid the required minimum wage and
overtime, as compared to only 43 percent in non-monitored shops. In monitored
shops where violations were found, the amount of the back wages due was
significantly less (an average of $2,619) as compared to an average of $6,580
in shops not monitored.
These results are very similar to the findings of an April 1996 survey
the department announced in May 1996. Then, 48 percent of the 76 shops
investigated were being monitored. In monitored shops in that survey, 84
percent of the employees were paid the required minimum wage and overtime, as
compared to only 44 percent in non-monitored shops.
"We are very pleased with the positive impact that monitoring is having
on improving labor law compliance," said Secretary of Labor Robert B. Reich."
In the most recent investigation, 53 percent (or 805) of the workers in the
shops investigated were working in monitored shops.
"Increased compliance through monitoring by manufacturers results in
thousands of employees getting paid up front' the required minimum wage and
overtime," Reich said. "Obviously, monitoring works and provides a powerful
tool for improving compliance in the garment industry. We applaud those
manufacturers who have stepped up to the plate to assume this important
responsibility."
More than 60 manufacturers have signed the Department of Labor's
compliance monitoring agreement, and there are many other manufacturers
voluntarily monitoring their contractors.
As a result of this task force, 473 workers have received more than
$191,600 in back wages for minimum wage and overtime violations.
Monitored contractor shops found during this task force are: AA
Fashion; EJX Corporation; Gary's Fashion; Genesis Sportswear; Infiniti Jeans;
J.E. Fashion; Kim's Fashion; Lapsa Sportswear; Operation Denim; P&K
Fashion; PNJ, Inc.; Rhees Fashion Co., Inc.; Rush Apparel (2 shops); SK
Fashion, Inc.; U-Jeans; Vinh Hung, Inc.; and Yong's Fashion.
In October, the department held three compliance monitoring workshops
in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles to educate manufacturers, retailers and
others in the industry on developing and implementing effective monitoring
programs.
On October 24, the department announced that its 1996 Trendsetter List
will be released on November 27. This list is a directory of garment
manufacturers and retailers who take additional steps to ensure their goods are
not made in sweatshop conditions. One of the criteria is that they regularly
monitor their cutting and sewing contractors and subcontractors for compliance
with labor laws.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
| 
