Opinion: Care about garment workers? Then pay more for your clothes.

To the editor: As someone who has worked in the garment industry for more than 30 years, I have to agree with Houman Salem about the realities of pricing garments competitively. However, I think that the solution cannot be laid on the backs of hardworking garment workers struggling with the same issues and needs as every other American worker. (“Leaving for Las Vegas: California’s minimum wage law leaves businesses no choice,” Opinion, Jan. 2)

When will American consumers recognize that an $8 T-shirt cannot be made by a citizen of any country that provides safe housing and enough to eat? Consumers really have to recognize that the entire production chain for clothing — from growing fibers to creating fabrics and finishes, from cutting and sewing to distribution — has huge and varied impacts.

We all need to make good choices for the betterment of our world and all the people in it.

Patricia Morones, Whittier

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To the editor: I was saddened to hear that Houman Salem was leaving for Las Vegas but not surprised. I recently sold my company, which had been doing business in Los Angeles since 1923, to a firm from Minnesota in part for many of the same reasons he pointed out in his piece.

Regulations, taxes and laws like Obamacare and minimum wage increases all add up to the high cost of doing business in the Golden State.

Nevada and other states are growing due to an economic model that fosters job growth, lower taxes, fewer regulations and a government that is business friendly. Yet here in California we have a state where a temporary tax was made permanent, a public pension plan is out of control, and a governor and Legislature with no intention of cutting taxes or reducing regulations.

If this exodus continues, who will be left to fund all their programs?

Don Burdge, Long Beach

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To the editor: I worked on the Raise the Wage campaign in Los Angeles. In both L.A. County and city law, business with fewer than 25 employees have a one-year delayed phase-in of the minimum wage, meaning a business with 18 employees like Salem’s and within L.A. city limits or in unincorporated county areas wouldn’t be forced to pay $15 per hour until July 1, 2021.

But if the business is outside these jurisdictions in California (like the city of San Fernando, where Salem indicates his business is located), then the state law gives one with fewer than 25 employees until Jan. 1, 2023. By then, $15 will be worth more like $12 or $13 with inflation.

I encourage everyone (especially small-business owners) to get informed about the actual laws.

Aaron Pearl, Los Angeles

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