California Garment Workers Owed More Than $3 Million in Unpaid Wages
Another $28,000 in back pay for minimum wage and overtime wages were recovered for 13 employees at Lucky Stars, a South El Monte, Calif. garment contractor that sold to retailers, such as JC Penney, Kohl's and Macy's.
These violations in the garment industry have been historically high with more than $2 million typically affecting about 2,000 workers since fiscal year 2010, according to the department. Since 2009, 89 percent of 1,600 Southern California cases have lead to more than $15 million in back wages owed to about 12,000 workers—many of whom are immigrants with limited English, making them particularly vulnerable to labor violations as they often are unaware of their rights or are reluctant to speak up.
- Companies:
- California Manufacturing Company
Amanda L. Cole is the editor-in-chief of NonProfit PRO. She was formerly editor-in-chief of special projects for NonProfit PRO's sister publication, Promo Marketing. Contact her at acole@napco.com.