Los Angeles Goes 'Sweat' Free
Eastern Group Publications, News Report, Posted: Nov 15, 2004
LOS ANGELES –– If you want to provide goods and services to the City of Los Angeles, you better make sure that your employees are earning a “living wage,” according to a new ordinance passed last week by the city council.
Joining in an international anti-sweatshop movement, the Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance primarily directed at garment workers under contract with the city.
The ordinance, proposed by Councilman Eric Garcetti, also requires vendors with the city to sign a code of conduct affirming that they and their suppliers subscribe to all applicable workplace laws.
“Companies who exploit or abuse their workers should have no part in supplying L.A. with the goods we use to run the city,” Garcetti said.
Former Sen. Tom Hayden, D-Los Angeles and founder of the No More Sweatshops Coalition, urged the council to approve the ordinance.
“It stems from the idea that our tax dollars should not go to sweatshops’ contractors or subcontractors, that government and the taxpayers can play a role in improving working conditions,” said Hayden.
Vendors found in violation of the ordinance will be subject to penalties. If no corrective action is taken, the city can terminate their contracts with the city.
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