DOL Discovers Garment Contractors' and Manufacturers' Illegal Pay Practices

One contractor paid workers an hourly wage of $1.58.

The U.S. Department of Labor uncovered examples of illegal pay practices toward garment workers in Southern California.

According to data from 50 sewing garment contractors, 80% of investigations found Fair Labor Standards Act violations.

The survey revealed that 64% of contractors either falsified time and pay records or did not keep any records. 

One contractor paid garment workers an hourly wage of $1.58.

However, data showed some manufacturers did not provide contractors with sufficient sewing fees to pay workers properly. 

Studies showed the average sewing fee fell $2.75 below the per garment amount required for contractors to meet federal wage standards.

Contractors complying with wage laws reportedly received a sewing fee of $17.50 to $35 per garment.

Investigations recovered over $892,000 in back wages and liquidated damages for 296 workers. 

The surveyed contractors and manufacturers make garments for national retailers, including Dillard’s, Lulus, Nordstrom and Von Maur.


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