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WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) joined Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) and Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) in introducing the Fashioning Accountability and Building Real Institutional Change (FABRIC) Act. The bill addresses issues in the apparel manufacturing industry such as the exploitation of essential workers, offshoring, and an aging workforce by implementing measures that would advance workplace rights, protections, and manufacturing incentives to solidify the United States as the leader in responsible apparel production.

The FABRIC Act of 2022 will establish a nationwide garment industry registry in the Department of Labor to increase oversight and transparency within the industry, put forth requirements to hold both fashion brands and retailers along with their manufacturing partners jointly accountable for workplace wage violations, set an hourly pay in the garment industry, and eliminate piece rate pay in workplaces in which workers are not already paid a minimum wage or are covered by a union collective bargaining agreement. The bill would also create a $40 million Domestic Garment Manufacturing Support Program and establish a 30% reshoring tax credit for garment manufacturers that move their manufacturing operations to the United States. 

“Every worker in this country deserves fundamental rights and protections and the garment industry is no exception,” said Rep. Dingell. “The FABRIC Act will ensure that we follow through on our commitment to dignity in the workplace by establishing additional safeguards and standards for garment workers, increase transparency and accountability, and develop incentives to ensure that these products are made in the United States. We have a duty to deliver for the hard-working men and women that drive our country forward every day and this legislation is one step in ensuring that the United States remains a leader in responsible manufacturing.”

“I have long been a champion for the New York and American fashion and apparel industries because of their immense economic and cultural benefits to our City and our nation,” said Rep. Maloney. “But all too often the workers are exploited and wages are too low for people to make a living. Cementing the United States as the global leader in manufacturing apparel responsibly by putting forth worker safeguards, increased oversight and transparency of the industry, and creating incentives to bring jobs back to the U.S. will have positive impacts on our nation’s economy and commitment to the American worker for generations to come.”

“The FABRIC Act will bring garment manufacturing and textile industry jobs back to North Carolina while improving conditions and compensation for workers in garment factories,” said Rep. Ross. “I’m proud to introduce this bill with my colleagues, and I look forward to working with them to revitalize and support garment and textile businesses in my home state.”