Sweatshops, child labor, and human trafficking in factories are usually talked about in association with far away places, like Cambodia or China. But in reality, sweatshops sit intertwined with other businesses in America, near restaurants, gas stations, and shopping malls. And the city that may seem the farthest from a dirty, cramped sweatshop — glitter-soaked Los Angeles — is actually a hot spot for sweatshops and slave labor.
Fifteen years ago this week, before human trafficking was even a crime in the U.S., 72 Thai nationals were found in a factory just outside Los Angeles. They had been working 20 hours a day to produce clothing. Today, Los Angeles remains a hub for sweatshop and labor trafficking activity. L.A.-based anti-trafficking organization CAST has seen their case load increase by about 200% in the past year, much of which has been individuals trafficked for forced labor. Los Angeles police Chief Charlie Beck, who has investigated human trafficking cases for over 30 years, says that the Department of Labor has fined area businesses tens of thousands of dollars for improperly paying workers.
Even in America, however, the sweatshops are populated mostly with immigrants from countries where sweatshops are common. Go figure, American dream. For example. 46% of CAST's recent caseload were Latinos, 24% were Southeast Asians, and 12% were East Asians. Sweatshops can employ men, women, and children, but children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation in factories. And because of their size, they often get tasked with dangerous jobs.
Sweatshops and factory slavery are very real in the U.S., which is why a "Made in the U.S.A." label is no guarantee that workers have been treated fairly. The best way to avoid buying clothing from sweatshops is to look for "sweat-free" or Fair Trade certified brands of clothing. Check out No Sweat Apparel and Justice Clothing for sweatshop-free clothing sources.
And remember, if the idea of a sweatshop nestled in the streets of Santa Monica or Beverly Hills seems odd, many human trafficking victims have been identified because citizens called the authorities to report suspicious activity. Know the businesses in your neighborhood, and report one if it seems like it may be exploiting people. Together, we can make L.A. and the rest of America sweatshop-free.
Photo credit: Marc oh!
Amanda Kloer has been a full-time abolitionist for six years. She currently develops trainings and educational materials for civil attorneys representing victims of human trafficking and gender-based violence.
Beverly Hills Sweatshop | End Human Trafficking | Change.org
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