Los Angeles Council Passes Anti-Sweatshop Ordinance, Including $100,000 for Enforcement, Toughest Anti-Sweatshop Law in U.S. Released 11/09/04

The City Council unanimously adopted the nation’s most aggressive anti-sweatshop ordinance by a unanimous vote today after two years of lobbying by local unions, sweatshop workers, clergy and activists. The measure includes:

1. a sweat-free code of conduct required of all contractors and subcontractors, including a “procurement living wage”

2. coverage of all city procurement, beginning with garments and uniforms

3. full public disclosure of manufacturing sites

4. funding for one city enforcement officer

5. funding for an independent monitor

6. creation of an oversight committee including advocates

7. a goal of forming a multi-city consortium

The measure was stalled for months over questions of funding until its sponsor, Councilman Eric Garcetti, took the lead in persuading the Council and city agencies that the ordinance would be only a “feel good” measure unless it included a real enforcement mechanism such as the Workers Rights Consortium (WRC). With full scope, disclosure and funding for enforcement, the ordinance is the toughest adopted thus far in the United States. Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Unified School District, under the leadership of David Tokofsky, adopted a sweat-free ordinance with provisions for a non-poverty wage, but without funding independent enforcement.