Garment Worker Center urges LA28 and city leaders to direct Olympic apparel contracts to local ethical manufacturers

The campaign targets billions of dollars in expected Olympic and municipal spending, aiming to shift supply contracts toward local factories and establish a $25-per-hour wage standard for participating manufacturers.

• •The Garment Worker Center launched the “Wear LA” campaign Thursday near the Fashion District in Los Angeles.
• •The campaign asks Olympic organizing committee LA28 to award apparel and linen contracts to local businesses rather than multinational brands.
• •LA28 defines local procurement as anywhere within Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, with a target of 75% local procurement.
• •The Garment Worker Center wants LA28 to restrict apparel manufacturing specifically to the city of Los Angeles and require a $25-per-hour wage with no outstanding wage claims.
• •L.A. City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson is advancing a motion asking Olympic organizers to direct contracts to businesses within the city specifically.
• •LA28 has not changed its procurement plans, pointing instead to its “Made for Two Eight” program allowing businesses to apply to use the LA28 emblem.
• •The campaign asks city leaders to establish a dedicated position within the Community Investment Department and develop a “Made in LA” program for municipal apparel contracts.
• •L.A. County is currently working on developing a pilot program similar to the requested city program.