Shop with a heart in downtown LA

Posted by Siel in consumerism, losangeles (Tuesday November 29, 2005 at 5:17 pm)

Whevever I critique American Apparel CEO Dov Charney’s questionable ass-grabbing tactics, I get comments and emails demanding to know if I prefer companies that abuse workers in sweatshops.

Um — Are those my options?

No, they’re not, thanks in part to the Garment Worker Center in our very own downtown LA. This anti-sweatshop, pro-union center helps garment workers to organize and resolve work problems, while educating them about wage and hour laws, health and safety regulations and discrimination.

If you’re reading this, you likely support fair labor practices. Bring that concern to the workers in LA, home of the largest garment industry in the country! This Friday, you can find out what’s going on right at the source, at the “Shop With a Heart at the Garment Worker Center” event:

What: Community Reception and Sweat-Free Shopping Day. Find out what GWC’s been doing in the last year, while shopping for union-made, cooperative-made, and fair trade products and enjoying free food and refreshments alongside Political cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, who’ll be there in support. I’m not sure if “refreshments” include alcoholic beverages, but I’m trying to find out so I can arrange for a DD if need be.

When: Friday, December 2, 2005, from 6 to 9 pm

Where: 1250 S. Los Angeles St. #213, Los Angeles (free street parking after 6)

What Else: $10 suggested donation

If you can’t make it, but want to help, the GWC has a wishlist! Got a desk, bookshelf, or an extra yoga mat lying around? Donate it by emailing donate@garmentworkercenter.org!

And if you live in the westside and wanna go, let’s carpool.

**Update, 11/29/05: There will be no alcohol! Boo plus hoo :( This, however, opens up the possibility for a myriad of post-event drinking sprees –

Filed in: gwc sweatshop losangeles garment fairtrade union