L.A. Garment Trade

* Joel Kotkin’s “Beyond Unions and Slave Labor” (Opinion, Sept. 3) ignores the root issue of equity and whether a vast number of garment industry workers should receive the mutual benefits attributed to manufacturers, designers and retailers. Workers are industry stake-holders disenfranchised by manipulative, exploitative and immoral labor practices that are prevalent in the industry.

More than being effectively marketed, the garment industry in Los Angeles needs to be transformed. Minimum wages need to be rigorously enforced and workers given controlling interest in firms to build wealth through ownership in the companies that hire them. Exercising voting power will help ensure equitable treatment and high standards of worker health and safety.

PAUL TURNER

Director of Economic Development

West Angeles Community Development

Corp., Los Angeles