ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, May 4, 1996 TAG: 9605060036
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: Associated Press
The Labor Department stepped up its campaign against sweatshops Friday, listing the garment makers from whom it recovered nearly $1.37 million in back wages in the first half of this fiscal year.
The report makes public for the first time the names of cutting and sewing shops found in violation of federal wage and hour laws and the manufacturers with whom they were under contract.
The department said it would begin issuing similar reports every three months identifying companies that repeatedly fail to pay overtime and minimum wages.
``This information is critical to retailers, manufacturers and the public,'' Labor Secretary Robert Reich said. ``Everyone should be interested in helping eradicate sweatshops.''
In addition to recovering back wages totaling $1,366,680 from 237 contractors working for 200 manufacturers, the department levied fines totaling $265,180 during the six months ended March 31. The violations were uncovered during 472 investigations last Oct. 1.
Copies of the report are available from the Wage and Hour Division, Room S3502, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Requests also may be made through the department's ``No Sweat'' Internet site, http://www.dol.gov
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