Forever 21 Under Investigation for vendors' alleged 'sweatshop' conditions

Cheap-chic clothier Forever 21 is accused of being cheap to its workforce.

The Labor Department said an investigation into the Los Angeles retailer uncovered evidence of "significant" violations of federal laws on minimum wage, overtime and record-keeping by vendors supplying the company.

Now, the agency is trying to get their hands on data documenting wages, hours and employment practices at Forever 21's contractors and manufacturers. The Labor Department is trying to compel Forever 21 to comply with a subpoena handed down in August after the company refused to cooperate.

Ruben Rosalez, regional administrator for the department's West division, said investigators since 2008 have found dozens of vendors for Forever 21 manufacturing under "sweatshop-like conditions."

"When companies like Forever 21 refuse to comply with subpoenas, they demonstrate a clear disregard for the law," Rosalez said in a Thursday statement. "The Labor Department will use all enforcement tools available to recover workers' wages and hold employers accountable."

Forever 21, which is owned and operated by a family of Korean Christians, has come under fire before for labor problems. In 2001, more than a dozen employees sued the company for failing to pay overtime while creating an unsafe work environment.

Read More: http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-forever-21-labor-20121029,0,3010027.story