FABRIC Act

The FABRIC Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to establish new protections for workers in the garment industry. It prohibits piece-rate pay, requiring employers to pay hourly wages that meet or exceed minimum wage standards, while allowing incentive bonuses. The bill creates joint liability for "brand guarantors" (brands that contract with garment manufacturers) for labor violations, and requires garment manufacturers and contractors to register with the Department of Labor, providing detailed business and employee information. The law also establishes an Undersecretary of the Garment Industry and a support program to fund workforce development and equipment for U.S. garment manufacturers. These provisions directly affect garment workers, manufacturers, contractors, and major fashion brands that contract with them.