|
American Apparel's response on corporate and social responsibility
Many of the custom screen printed t-shirts & sweatshirts Kustom Imprints sells are printed on American Apprel Brand. Occasionally we have had customer inquires if our shirts are made in a sweatshop free environment. While they already know the Kustom Imprints print shop facility is sweatshop free, they would like to be assured the garments are manufactured in a sweatshop free company as well as produced environmentally safe. American Apparel has been at the forefront of producing sweatshop free apparel. The below reprinted text from American Apparel in response to those questions…
Clothing manufacturing is a very tough job, but we've always tried to do things differently. In the early days we talked about "sweatshop free" now we talk less, however we continue to provide the same benefits (and more) to our workers.
American Apparel: Our Workers
For us "sweatshop free" was never about criticizing other business models; it was about attempting something new. It comes down to this: not blindly outsourcing, but rather knowing the faces of our workers and providing them the opportunity to make a fair wage.
The average sewer with experience at American Apparel is making about $25,000/yr (i.e. $12/hr, well over twice the federal minimum). This can be higher in some cases. We also offer parking, subsidized public transport, subsidized lunches, free onsite massages, a bike lending program, a program of paid days off, ESL classes and much more. Most importantly we guarantee job security and full-time employment; this is an anomaly in the garment industry, which has historically been dominated by seasonal work.
We also continue to provide all of our employees and their families with company-subsidized, affordable health insurance ($8/week, $1-3/week for children). And we just made everyone's lives a little easier by opening an onsite medical clinic. This facility, which is the first of its kind, offers primary care services along with pediatric, urgent and preventative health care.
As our company continues to grow, we will further improve the work environment. Now a public company, we're very excited about introducing an unprecedented stock program that will make our garment workers shareholders.
American Apparel is a leading basics brand for young adults and people of all ages, with both wholesale and retail divisions globally. The company is known for cutting-edge advertising and product branding. Its "Made in Downtown LA" operations have contributed to significant brand awareness and a cult status worldwide.
American Apparel uses a vertically integrated business model which minimizes the use of sub-contractors and offshore labor. Knitting, dyeing, sewing, photography, marketing, distribution, and design all happen in our facilities in Los Angeles.
American Apparel is a publicly traded company, having completed a merger with Endeavor Acquisition Corp. on December 12, 2007.
|