|
 Printer-Friendly Version
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202-219-8211.
U.S. Labor Secretary Robert B. Reich said today several
major retailers have confirmed their attendance at next week's retail summit in
New York and expressed interest in developing new means for stemming abuse of
workers within the garment industry.
Retailers who have confirmed their attendance include:
Sears, Roebuck & Co., The May Department Stores, Federated Department
Stores, Dayton Hudson Corp., Montgomery Ward, Fred Meyer, The Limited, J.C.
Penney Company, Inc., Army and Air Force Exchange Service, and Guess Inc.
Officials of retail trade associations, the National Retail
Federation and the International Mass Retailers Association, also are expected
to attend.
"The strong response we have received to date from a number
of retailers indicates we have the potential for a very productive and historic
meeting," Reich said. "I remain hopeful that many, many more retail leaders
will join our effort to prevent the abuse of workers that is far too prevalent
in the garment industry."
Reich asked the retailers to attend the Sept. 12 summit at
New York's Fashion Institute of Technology following the Aug. 2 raid by federal
and state investigators of an El Monte, Calif., sweatshop.
Reich has said greater compliance in the industry will
protect thousands of jobs at legitimate contract sewing shops because it will
prevent the use of undocumented workers often paid pennies an hour. In
addition, Reich said the current Congress is cutting labor enforcement
resources and the cooperation and support of the industry is critical to
protecting workers.
"I remain committed to a joint industry and government
solution," Reich said. "Retailers must use their leadership and economic
leverage in the industry to promote zero tolerance for abuse of workers in the
garment shops."
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
| 
