Las Costureras
It's been a challenging last few years during the pandemic, exacerbated recently with rising costs from inflation, the war in Europe, and climate crisis (heat waves abound this week). The first people in the frontlines of the fashion industry directly affected by this are the garment workers.
Garment Worker Center (GWC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, worker's rights organization leading an anti-sweatshop movement to improve conditions for tens of thousands of Los Angeles garment workers. Through direct organizing, GWC develops leaders who demand enforcement of strong labor laws and accountability from factory owners, manufacturers, and fashion brands. They center immigrant workers, women of color, and their families who are impacted by exploitation in the fashion industry.
On August 31, 2022, the GWC launched their 2022 EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDRAISER. The goal is to raise $25,000 for their emergency relief fund to support workers as COVID, inflation, and other forces continue to make work and life extremely tenuous. KINdom is committed to donating at least 10% of sales this Labor Day weekend to the betterment of the quality of life for our community. Spend $250 and get a free limited edition GWC sticker (see below)! GWC donations go directly to members’ hands to help with the following expenses: Rent assistance, food, medical expenses, funeral expenses, unpaid sick leave.
Put simply, many GWC members have lost work or have struggled being underemployed since the pandemic began. Many of members are having an extraordinarily difficult time putting food on the table and taking care of their basic needs for themselves & their families. Many have not received paid sick time under COVID. A needs assessment of GWC members revealed specific impacts of COVID-19 on their income & well-being.
Housing insecurity.
Tenant protections have been lifted, California Rent Relief programs have sundowned, garment work instability and the rezoning of the fashion district threatens the displacement of thousands of jobs, leaving many garment workers incredibly housing insecure as the cost of living continues to soar
Food insecurity.
As our members struggle to pay rent, so do they have trouble staying fed, as food insecurity remains one of our members' most common issues
Substandard conditions under COVID & lack of benefits.
• Unclean conditions of factories
• Alarming rates of infections
• Lack of paid sick leave/unemployment benefits
• COVID-19’s impact on importation of goods affecting supply chain and reducing work availability
We stand in solidarity with GWC and their garment worker members, and are committed to ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need at this time. We’re looking for our allies (YOU!) to step-up to help keep our community housed, fed, and stable, as GWC member fund reserves have run low.
Let's help our fashion industry community members & their families buy groceries, pay rent, and stay healthy. Shop for a cause on select items and use code FORTHEWORKERS at check-out for 30% off. Thank you so much!