Government Steps Up Sweatshop Campaign

The Labor Department stepped up its campaign against sweatshops Friday, listing the garment makers from whom it recovered nearly $1.37 million in back wages in the first half of this fiscal year.

The 30-page report, “No Sweat,” makes public for the first time the names of cutting and sewing shops found in violation of federal wage and hour laws and the manufacturers with whom they were under contract.

The department said it would begin issuing similar reports every three months identifying companies that repeatedly fail to pay overtime and minimum wages.

“This information is critical to retailers, manufacturers and the public,” Labor Secretary Robert B. Reich said. “Everyone should be interested in helping eradicate sweatshops.”