I am so full of recommendations.
I will never again purchase American Apparel products at full retail, because conscious consumers have been duped both economically and morally (I know, I know, nothing new to the table). I was willing to overlook the weird full page ads and the ridiculous prices (compared to their wholesale rates) marked for their boutiques. I was willing to forgive the "We Support Free-Trade" signs posted conspicuously in their dressing rooms. I've even heard the rumors in the past, and I wouldn't bring myself to believe it. However, this article reinforces the fact that the self-proclaimed progressive company has taken excessive actions to quell any sort of unions for its female workers. Here's an excerpt that details the extent of the oppression:
“The company’s activities included holding captive meetings with employees, interrogating employees about their union activities and sympathies, soliciting employees to ask the union to return their union authorization cards, distributing anti-union arm bands and T-shirts, and requiring all employees to attend an anti- union rally. The company’s most devastating tactic, though, was threatening to shut down the plant if the workers organized.”
The workers remain unrepresented, and no matter how "noble" or "revolutionary" a company's mission sets out to be, it's a worthless credit if said company chooses to employ certain humane standards and evades others:
“Issues such as no paid time off, lack of affordable healthcare, production methods, and treatment by supervisors were the main issues of workers trying to organize.”
It also doesn't help American Apparel's reputation when there are currently two sexual harassment lawsuits being brought against the company's founder.
HOWEVER, American Apparel is affordable, comfortable, and quite stylish for a company of its kind. It's still "sweatshop-free," and whether or not this is just a ruse to attract a following, workers are still paid a very decent wage. It's the only thing that hasn't been disputed, and I half-heartedly agree with the article's author that the company's success will bring about some change.
In light of this information, I can't bring myself to adorn their products at boutique prices, but here are some alternative methods to purchase the somewhat more conscious clothing for better prices:
Oneoffclothing.com offers certain American Apparel products in its various colors for a little over wholesale price. If you choose to add one of their unique screen prints (also available in a multitude of colors), it will set you back an extra $9. For now, there is NO TAX and NO S&H added to your purchases, which makes the deal really awesome. You'll be supporting a small group of artists who are making American Apparel truly affordable.
Oneoff offers hats from ALTERNATIVE Apparel, which apparently matches American Apparel in quality and affordability.
Ebay also offers a plethora of great deals on American Apparel products. Consider this option for your fall/winter purchases, perhaps?
Because I can't even decide whether or not this is a cop out.
“The company’s activities included holding captive meetings with employees, interrogating employees about their union activities and sympathies, soliciting employees to ask the union to return their union authorization cards, distributing anti-union arm bands and T-shirts, and requiring all employees to attend an anti- union rally. The company’s most devastating tactic, though, was threatening to shut down the plant if the workers organized.”
The workers remain unrepresented, and no matter how "noble" or "revolutionary" a company's mission sets out to be, it's a worthless credit if said company chooses to employ certain humane standards and evades others:
“Issues such as no paid time off, lack of affordable healthcare, production methods, and treatment by supervisors were the main issues of workers trying to organize.”
It also doesn't help American Apparel's reputation when there are currently two sexual harassment lawsuits being brought against the company's founder.
HOWEVER, American Apparel is affordable, comfortable, and quite stylish for a company of its kind. It's still "sweatshop-free," and whether or not this is just a ruse to attract a following, workers are still paid a very decent wage. It's the only thing that hasn't been disputed, and I half-heartedly agree with the article's author that the company's success will bring about some change.
In light of this information, I can't bring myself to adorn their products at boutique prices, but here are some alternative methods to purchase the somewhat more conscious clothing for better prices:
Oneoffclothing.com offers certain American Apparel products in its various colors for a little over wholesale price. If you choose to add one of their unique screen prints (also available in a multitude of colors), it will set you back an extra $9. For now, there is NO TAX and NO S&H added to your purchases, which makes the deal really awesome. You'll be supporting a small group of artists who are making American Apparel truly affordable.
Oneoff offers hats from ALTERNATIVE Apparel, which apparently matches American Apparel in quality and affordability.
Ebay also offers a plethora of great deals on American Apparel products. Consider this option for your fall/winter purchases, perhaps?
Because I can't even decide whether or not this is a cop out.