The Garment Worker Protection Act

California Senate Bill 62, also known as the Garment Worker Protection Act, is a historic law that eliminated the notorious practice by employers of paying piece rates, which were often less than minimum wage.

The campaign to make the law a reality took over two years of persistent campaigning, protests, and lobbying. With Los Angeles as the garment manufacturing capital of the U.S., tens of thousands of workers’ lives were positively impacted by the law.

Because of the Act, garment employers are new held accountable to paying the state’s $16 an hour minimum wage to their workers.

This legislative success showed the power that workers have when they act in solidarity with each other and community organizations to better their lives.

For a primer on the Act, click here.