[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E71]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E71]]



            INTRODUCTION OF THE STOP SWEATSHOPS ACT OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM (BILL) CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, last year, I joined with Senator Kennedy and 
more than 50 other Members of Congress to introduce legislation to curb 
the reemergence of sweatshops in the domestic garment industry. Today, 
I am introducing that legislation once again.
  Sweatshops have returned to the apparel industry in the United States 
in numbers and forms reminiscent of the turn of the century. Sweatshop 
employers exploit those who work for them, sometimes subjecting workers 
to slave-like conditions. By exploding workers, sweatshop employers 
derive an unfair and unlawful competitive advantage that harms law 
abiding employers, as well as workers and their families.
  The Stop Sweatshops Act of 1997 strengthens the ability of the 
Department of Labor to enforce the Fair Labor Standards Act [FLSA] and 
improves the ability of workers in the garment industry to obtain 
redress for violations of the act. As importantly, at a time when the 
Congress is reducing funds available for enforcement of the labor laws, 
the bill encourages manufacturers in the garment industry to deal with 
reputable contractors and acts to balance market pressures that have 
encouraged the reemergence of sweatshops.
  The reemergence of sweatshops represents a problem that cannot be 
allowed to continue to grow. As we approach the 21st century, we have 
an obligation to eliminate this vestige of the 19th century. I urge my 
colleagues to support this humane legislation.

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