The FABRIC Act Takes A Step Forward

Huge news for ethical fashion in the United States.

The FABRIC (Fashioning Accountability & Building Real Institutional Change) Act, a landmark fashion bill introduced in May by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, has officially made it to the House of Representatives. On Thursday, July 21, Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Debbie Dingell, and Deborah Ross brought the bill to the House floor. If you need a little refresher, to become law, the FABRIC Act will need to pass in the House before it moves to a Senate vote – the latest development means the bill is one step closer.

In a press release from Remake, a California-based Garment worker named Gloria remarked how the bill could further the wage theft law fought for by workers in Los Angeles. "It's necessary to have federal protections because garment workers are not only here in California but in many areas across the country. To earn the minimum wage instead of the piece rate is so important because then you know what you're earning and can budget around that. Earning by the piece rate doesn't even provide for shoes," Gloria said. "And because everything comes from the top in this industry, it's important fashion brands are responsible for wage theft. Everyone will benefit in this way."

Made-in-America clothing has a two-fold issue. The first is that consumers often think that if their clothing is made in the United States, it must be free from labor issues. This is not the case. Workers are usually paid per item, resulting in below minimum wage pay. In California, a law called SB62 made this practice illegal. The FABRIC Act would extend this rule to other states. The other issue is that the garment industry in the U.S. has decreased immensely over the last few decades. The bill also incentivizes brands to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. through tax credits and grants.

The United States could be the go-to place for ethical fashion, but we need regulations to make it happen. Relying on brands to make changes simply isn't enough. The FABRIC Act is something that anyone living anywhere in the United States has the power to support. To coincide with the news, Remake launched a petition that you can sign to tell Congress to pass the bill. You can also call your representative and let them know you want them to support the Fabric Act now.

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This Stuff is a newsletter by me! fashion journalist, Alyssa Hardy. Three times a week, I unpack the ways our clothes impact the world through news, essays, interviews and more. Subscribe for free here and follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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