Recently on International Women’s Day many people reflected on the accomplishments the U.S. has made regarding women’s rights. Others have taken this day as an opportunity to also advocate for what else needs to be done to protect and honor women.
Historically, women of all backgrounds have had to fight for their rights, especially in the garment industry. One of the most tragic events in garment worker history was the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in New York City. 146 lives were lost during this fire, many of whom were immigrant women from Europe. Workers tried to leave immediately but panicked when they realized their employer had locked the doors as a way to prevent theft. The single fire escape collapsed and firefighters were unable to reach them with their ladders. Victims either died in the fire or from jumping 8-10 stories trying to escape. Prior to the fire, workers demanded better working conditions and wages by striking the year before. However, they were unsuccessful after their bosses refused to concede. Working conditions have improved since the fire at the Triangle but we still see garment workers being exploited all over the world and in the U.S.
Today in Los Angeles, garment workers continue to fight against wage theft and for better working conditions. Many of these garment workers are latina immigrant women who commonly work for companies like Forever 21 or Ross. In recent years they have come forward and said they are paid by piece instead of hourly. This means that someone working 60-75 hour weeks could be making as little as $300. It was also found that 45,000 workers were paid an average of $5/hr. Now one may think that in a progressive state like California this would be unheard of. Even though there are labor laws meant to prevent this, the U.S. Department of Labor still found 85 garment factories in violation of these laws. Despite strict labor laws, many companies believe they can get away with violating the rights of these women because they believe they won’t speak up. Many of the workers are immigrants and may not have a legal status. However, there are laws being passed now to protect workers from these vulnerable communities.
In 2020 California tried to pass the Garment Worker Protection Act but it would fail in the California senate. Activists continued pushing for this act and finally on September 27, 2021 it was signed into law by Governor Newsom. The act was put into effect January 1, 2022. The act will protect against wage theft and improve working conditions for 45,000 garment workers in California, many of whom are immigrant women. The act also acknowledges how being paid by piece has led to unsafe and unhealthy working conditions.
The Garment Worker Protection Act
- Prohibits piecework pay
- Creates join and several liability for unpaid wages for “brand guarantors” along with manufacturers and contractors
- Creates new recordkeeping requirements for manufacturers and brand guarantors
Furthermore, a new OSHA ruling passed on February 13, 2022 will protect undocumented workers from retaliation if they bring forth labor complaints. Effective March 30, 2022, the ruling states that workers will be able to gain a visa if their labor rights are violated. During labor investigations workers will also be granted a temporary visa. This ruling will encourage undocumented workers to be open about any exploitation they face without fearing that they will be deported. Many employers often opt to employ undocumented workers because they believe they will stay silent about exploitative conditions when threatened with legal action. This OSHA ruling will allow for better working conditions around the country.
While these rulings have been huge victories made possible by activists, it is only the beginning. Time will tell if employers follow through with these rulings and honor the labor rights of workers, regardless of their background. These latest demands and rulings also serve as a reminder to consumers to pay attention to the production of products.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of female garment workers in California, Made in L.A. is a powerful documentary that discusses working conditions of women in Los Angeles.
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