California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 62, the Garment Worker Protection Act, on September 27, 2021. It ends piece-rate pay in the state’s garment industry and requires an hourly wage.
The bill by Sen. María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) also expands fashion brands’ liability for unpaid wages, including wage theft by contractors.
Key details
- Garment workers must be paid an hourly rate of at least the minimum wage, not by the piece.
- Incentive bonuses on top of the legal wage are still allowed.
- Brands that contract garment work share liability for wage violations.
- The law took effect January 1, 2022.
- The Garment Worker Center says California has more than 45,000 garment workers.
“For too long, bad-actor manufacturers have exploited garment workers toiling in unsanitary conditions for as little as $5 an hour.”
Sen. María Elena Durazo
FAQ
What does SB 62 do?
It ends piece-rate pay in California’s garment industry and expands brands’ liability for unpaid wages.
When did it take effect?
January 1, 2022.
Are bonuses allowed?
Yes. Incentive bonuses above the legal wage are allowed.
Source & credit
Source: Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom, September 27, 2021: “Governor Newsom Signs Legislation Creating Nation-Leading Worker Protections for Garment Industry”.
Also: California Labor Commissioner, Garment Worker Protection Act FAQ; Sen. María Elena Durazo statement; Forbes, September 25, 2021: “California’s Garment Worker Bill Will Fuel The Made In USA Comeback”.