Protections for Workers

Henry Weinstein’s comprehensive front-page article (Jan. 16) describes how workers are victimized by employers who pay them less than the minimum wage or not at all--making them rely on tips.

Most of the victims of these practices are very poor and more than likely are undocumented aliens who are afraid to complain or file charges with appropriate government agencies.

Weinstein focused his research on jobs held outside the home. Similar abuses--just as flagrant--take place in industries utilizing home workers.

One of the last acts of the Reagan Administration’s Labor Secretary Ann McLaughlin was to issue regulations that would lift a 46-year-old ban on industrial homework in several categories of the apparel and apparel-related industries, thus opening the flood gates for even more exploitation of minorities and illegal aliens.

The original regulations were imposed in 1942 because the government realized it was impossible to enforce laws concerning minimum wage, maximum hours, child labor restrictions and other fair labor standards. The problem is much, much worse today--yet the Reagan Labor Department frivolously forged ahead to remove these minimum protections.

Several labor organizations, with the International Ladies Garment Workers Union in the lead, have moved to block the order by filing suit in federal court. Joining in the suit also were three reputable employer associations, who realize that declaring open season on homework would further erode wages and working conditions and create unfair competition.

If anything, the prohibition against work at home should be strengthened, and agencies that enforce all other laws that protect workers should receive sufficient funds to enforce them.

TOM VANDEVELD

President

United Food & Commercial

Workers Union Local 135

San Diego