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| American Apparel Inc. | Hits: 81 |
Description: American Apparel is a vertically integrated manufacturer and retailer of clothing for men, women, kids and dogs. Meaning, we\'ve consolidated all stages of production under one roof at our downtown Los Angeles factory—from the cutting and sewing, right through to the photography and marketing.
Ultimately, it is this system that allows us to stay competitive while paying the highest wages in the garment industry. Because we don\'t outsource to local or developing-nation sweatshops (or to ad agencies, for that matter) the entire process is time-efficient, and we can respond faster to market demand.
We offer the following benefits to all of our employees, sewers and administrators alike, as a matter of policy: paid time off, affordable healthcare for them and their families, company-subsidized lunches, bus passes, free ESL classes, on-site masseurs, free parking, proper lighting and ventilation, and the most up-to-date equipment (be it the latest cutting machine or software). We are continually striving to improve the work environment.
More importantly to our garment workers though, we offer year-round employment and job security, with virtually no turnover. This is anomalous in an industry dominated by seasonal work.
Not to suggest that we are more ethical than the next business. We\'re just out to try something different, to make a buck, to bring people the clothes they love, to be human, and have a good time in the process. So far, so good.
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| Resource Specification | | Address: | 350 rue de Louvain O. Suit 203 Montréal, QC H2N 2E8 | | Fax: | (514) 939-0695 | | Country: | canada | | Overview: | To ensure the company's success and stability, American Apparel sees all of its employees as long-term investments. We care about their health and well being. Therefore, the company provides the following benefits to its employees as a matter of policy.
These benefits also ensure the quality of our garments and the efficiency of our production. We believe that the nature of the work environment has a direct impact on the caliber of the work.
Unlike the majority of the apparel industry currently pursuing a program of offshore or local subcontracting, American Apparel has implemented a groundbreaking system of internalization, manufacturing and marketing all its apparel under one roof. This program of vertical integration, along with a commitment to art, design and technology, has propelled American Apparel's growth, making it one of the most efficient garment companies in the world. This is ultimately a testament to the fact that exploitative labor tactics are counterproductive. At American Apparel, we believe that providing employees with decent working conditions in a technology-driven environment allows the company to attain the highest levels of efficiency. This structure of efficiency ensures American Apparel's competitive edge in the open global market.
a) Wages
American Apparel is committed to paying fair wages to its workers. Our workers are considered to be some of the highest-paid apparel employees in the country. We strictly adhere to all California wage and hour laws. We pay overtime after eight hours of work per day. Workers rarely work over eight to 10 hours per day. We offer two daily 15-minute breaks and half an hour for lunch. Our average employee on the sewing floor earns over $12.50/hour, which is more than double the U.S. federal minimum wage. Experienced garment sewers earn more than $9/hour and can make as much as $18/hr. There are some peripheral positions (non-sewing) within the company where workers earn as little as $8/hour; however, we are continuously raising the lowest-tier pay as the company expands, and worker wages are steadily increasing.
b) Job Security
Our goal is to offer full-time and lifetime employment. Traditionally, the garment industry has suffered from severe seasonal adjustments to the work schedule. Within the garment industry there are tales of overwork and tales of under-work. At American Apparel, we have made great efforts to balance the work schedule year-round. Although there are seasonal changes that can affect the number of hours worked per week, all of our garment workers are able to work approximately 2000 hours per year, allowing them to receive the benefits of full time employment. American Apparel has generally offered bonuses to employees during slow periods. However, in 2003, this was not necessary because the company did not suffer from the common October/November slowdown experienced by most factories; nor were any workers laid off.
c) Human Resources
The Human Resources department at American Apparel provides information to employees about all existing company, county, state and federal benefits. We go over workers' questions about their paychecks, which often does not happen in other garment factories where workers are afraid to question their compensation. We help workers enroll for the federal Earned Income Credit (EIC), which can often increase their take-home pay by $80 per week.
d) Health Care for Employees and Their Families
Our workers have access to company-subsidized health insurance for $8 per week. This same benefit is available to spouses as well. Health insurance for each child is between $1-$3 per child, per week.
e) Natural Light
American Apparel's garment workers have proper lighting above their sewing machines in addition to abundant natural light. American Apparel has one of the best-lit garment factories in Los Angeles.
f) Direct Deposit
Most garment workers in Los Angeles use check-cashing companies to deposit their weekly paychecks, costing each worker 1 percent to 2 percent of their paycheck. American Apparel employees collectively spend over $150,000 annually on check cashing. We are currently collaborating with Wells Fargo to provide each worker with a bank card and/or free checking account. American Apparel is the only garment factory among the thousands in Los Angeles that offers this kind of service. This also includes Visa Check/ATM cards, significant because workers are then able to use the card to send and spend money abroad. Western Union and American Express often overcharge for simple transfers to Mexico or Central America. Not only do employees no longer have to cash checks, but they also save on wire transfer costs.
g) ESL - English as a Second Language
In collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District, we offer free English classes to our workers.
h) Massage/Health and Wellness
We have five certified massage therapists who work exclusively with our factory workers, free of charge. We have also hired an occupational health and wellness specialist who is available to council workers.
i) Parking
We offer free parking in front of our facility.
j) Public Transportation
We subsidize bus passes upon request for all American Apparel employees.
k) Machines and Systems
We provide our garment workers with the most sophisticated cutting and sewing equipment on the market. We are constantly researching new manufacturing techniques and are thus able to increase output and provide our workers with better take-home pay.
l) Heating and Ventilation
We recently installed heating and cooling equipment in our general sewing area. We have continued measures to better control the temperature in our manufacturing spaces.
m) Bathroom and Telephone Breaks
During working hours, employees are allowed to go to the bathroom whenever they want and can receive brief cell phone calls or use the company telephones, which are free of charge, for quick personal calls.
n) Paid Days Off
American Apparel offers its employees paid days off. We have devised a system based on the number of years an employee has worked, making workers eligible for between five-15 paid personal days off per year.
o) Bicycle Program
During the MTA strike, American Apparel introduced a bicycle-lending program. These bicycles receive monthly maintenance and are available to any worker upon request, along with a lock and helmet.
p) Employment Training Program
This government-subsidized program offers each worker eight paid hours of training to improve job and management skills.
| | URL: | american-apparel-inc. | | Date Added: | 16/05/2006 |
| Last Updated: | 16/05/2006 |
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