As part of efforts to bolster the garment manufacturing industry and support its workers in Los Angeles, officials on Thursday unveiled a new task force and program to meet those goals.
During a conference Thursday, the Garment Worker Center and the office of Los Angeles Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez facilitated a panel discussion and provided details about their plans, officially known as the Garment and Fashion Industry Workforce and Economic Development Program, which aims to grow L.A.’s garment manufacturing industry while protecting workers.
The panel included representatives from the industry and the city, who spoke about the significance of the garment manufacturing industry — which is home to more than 30,000 garment manufacturing workers producing 83% of the nation’s nearly $2 billion cut-and-sew apparel sales. In addition, the panel reviewed how the Garment and Fashion Industry Workforce and Economic Development Program can help address the current challenges faced in a changing global manufacturing environment, according to Hernandez’ office.
“This task force represents a multi-stakeholder approach to strengthening the local industry and workforce, which will ensure good jobs and worker well-being are at the forefront,” Marissa Nuncio, executive director of the Garment Worker Center, said in a statement.
She added that the task force will develop strategies to support the future of the garment industry and ensure its longevity.
Hernandez, who represents the 1st District, which includes the Fashion District, where several garment businesses operate, initiated the program as part of the DTLA 2040 Community Plan Update. The update was approved last year by the City Council.
Community plans serve to guide the future of neighborhoods — each one unique to its area — which can include housing development and business growth, among other things.
Hernandez had made a commitment to meet the needs of the garment industry and protect workers…
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