American Apparel in Trouble Again - Cited for Using Illegal Workers

Posted Jul 1st 2009 at 1:42PM by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)

American Apparel's immigration reform T-shirt. Photo: eBay

There's a reason American Apparel's clothing is often out of this world -- allegedly numerous employees who manufacture the clothing are working illegally in the United States.

WWD reports that as many as one-third of the workers at American Apparel's Los Angeles production facilities aren't authorized to work in this country. The U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agency held an inspection of the facilities early this year, and just now released the results to the clothing company.

While, of course, this could all just be chalked up to some HR mistakes, American Apparel is far from being a stranger to controversy. Aside from its provocative ads, the company just settled a lawsuit with Woody Allen for using his image (below) without permission.

Woody Allen went after American Apparel for using his image. Just one example of the brand's controversial billboards. Photo: WENN

Additionally, CEO Dov Charney is well-known for being an outspoken advocate for immigration reform. According to WWD, he's used his brand to sell T-shirts supporting the cause and has even put up advertising billboards to publicize the need for change.

In fact, the brand's blog has video of thousands of American Apparel employees taking part in the annual Los Angeles May Day march, and, of course, of Charney speaking about immigration reform at the rally. He told the crowd, "It's not just about workers and immigrants; it's about humanity."

Naturally, the loss of a third of its employees could mean big changes for the brand. According to WWD, the company doesn't anticipate being affected too much because it still has plenty of inventory and the capacity to continue producing.

However, American Apparel acknowledged, "As the ultimate impact is difficult to predict at this time, no assurances can be given as to how, if at all, the loss of a significant number of manufacturing employees will affect [our] business."

At this time, WWD reports that neither the company nor any employees have been charged, and AA promises to "fully comply with its obligations to establish the employment eligibility of prospective employees under immigration law."

Employees will have an opportunity to present documentation that clears them to work in the U.S., otherwise, they'll no longer be able to work for the company.

Tags: american-apparel, dov-charney, government, illegal-aliens, immigration, immigration-reform

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)

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Mike 7-02-2009 @ 9:00AM

princess poon 7-03-2009 @ 1:47PM

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fmerg 7-02-2009 @ 10:58AM

it's about time that we stand up and let america know that we will not buy from any company that uses undocumented workers
mandating back ground checks can be done easy
1) setup a data base of ss#
2) give access to the data base via internet
2a) empolyeer enters full name,date of birth,place of birth and ss# if all dont match then a no hire screen is shown
3) pass laws that havely fine employers who hire these people
4) any undocumented person has all possions confinscated
and they are sent back with in 24 hours no exceptions at all

David 7-02-2009 @ 9:03PM

great idea. Only problem is that it opens the door wide for id stealing.

dawn 7-02-2009 @ 8:54AM

We do have a system like that, its called E-Verify and its a govt system thats free to employers, it matches work id#s to the person and lets the employer know whether or not he is eligible for employment. I just so happen to be writing a paper on this. It's up for renewal and it looks like its not going to make it - believe it or not, big unions want to grant amnesty to all these illegall workers, then they can go after them for millions in dues. So they get their congressmen to vote these reform things down. Its really sad. Check out the FAIR website (federation for american immigration reform). Some of the information on there will shock you.

samcw2000 7-02-2009 @ 10:37AM

Fmerg.... You're an idiot. If you post people's SSN, and DOB, and full name on a datebase easily accessible via the internet, I guarantee the number of identity theft cases will skyrocket. Brilliant plan!!!!

MaryLou Michelin 7-02-2009 @ 6:59AM

The Government is again not doing what needs to be done. The USA needs to rid itself of all Illegals. The crap about a child being born in this Country and being a citizen needs to stop.
Remember when the founding Fathers made this Country they came for a new beginning, religious freedom, not for the Welfare benefits.
Write your Senators-

WayneC 7-02-2009 @ 8:03AM

I agree! The laws are on the books so to speak but not inforced.

It seems the term "illegal" only fits at times when it is convenient for the "government". How can they crackdown on employers and at the same time provide 'social services' to them knowing they're "illegal".

Illegal is just that and it is suppose to me someone in the wrong and that somone is not a citizen of the U S

Send them home and protect our borders. You would be amazed at how just this would help our healthcare system since ER's would not be overrun with illegals.

Shirl 7-02-2009 @ 8:43AM

You can write all the letters you want and the replies that come back from your congressman/senator are all pat answers to bolster Obama's goals. I've written to congress/senators in CT and the replies are always defending Obama's programs. What a joke. What ever happened to the system of checks and balances? There can be none until both political parties have a say on all crucial programs/issues on behalf of the American people. Until then the deck is stacked in Obama's favor.

Bonnie 7-03-2009 @ 11:06AM

I agree , the united states needs to rid itself of all illegal imagrants. The U.S. could fix the defecate, lower taxes ,and give americans affordable heath care.
I got sick and had no insurance. I am still paying those bills.
If I where and illegal imagrant my bill would have been payed.
Also, I pay high property taxes so U.S born imagrant can go to school. Their parents don't pay taxes. Their parent don't pay medical bills. They don't pay into health insurance , or into social security, or have anything deducted from their pay checks.
They live in low income apartments, and get help with food, and utility bills. They live here better than most Americans do.

Concerned Citizen 7-02-2009 @ 12:21PM

Re: "The crap about a child being born in this Country and being a citizen needs to stop".

They, certain senators and other government officials are working on that "loophole" right now. It is called H.R.1868 (Birthright Citizenship Act of 2009) - would eliminate birthright citizenship for the children born to illegal aliens in the United States by limiting citizenship to the children born to U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent resident aliens in the United States, and aliens performing active service in the armed forces. So cross your fingers and get your local goverment officia to support it. Just google it and you will find more info on this bill and see who all have supported it, maybe one of your local officials may be one of them.

ycav4424 7-02-2009 @ 6:59AM

I am tired of hearing the people in Washington say "What Americans want". They don't have a clue or just don't care. Because most want the borders closed and illegals deported. No deals no exceptions. This is just another rich Ahole that thinks if you say it enough then it will be true. Our laws were put in place for a reason. All countries live by their laws. If our people don't want to abide by ours, their business's should be closed on the first offence. We need to deport some elected officials too. What Americans want is to have our country back the way it was before the people in washington started acting like they knew better then experienced people.

Jeff 7-02-2009 @ 6:59AM

SEND THEM ALL HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marian 7-02-2009 @ 9:58AM

As an Indian, I wish we could just send all of you home...

But my Cherokee and Osage ancestors opened their hearts, tribes, and lands to the European colonists whose greed continues to destroy the land and peoples.

samcw2000 7-02-2009 @ 10:42AM

Amen, Marian, Amen!!!!

common sense 7-02-2009 @ 1:17PM

So, dude, you'll have to quit eating fruits & veggies, probably chicken too, because most of that food is picked/processed by immigrants: people who WANT to work so guys like you can sit on their fat A$$ and pontificate about why it should be "just us" instead of justice. Unless you are Native American you have no standing to make the statement.