But those fees have been postponed while the parties hash out their differences. The state Department of Industrial Relations, moreover, has more low-wage industries than ever to monitor. Yet the state has only about 80 field inspectors to ensure that California's 13.5 million employees are paid legal wages. And in recent months, the Legislature has called for a crackdown on scofflaws in the construction, restaurant and horse racing industries. Dean Fryer, a spokesman for the Department of Industrial Relations, said the mandate means fewer garment factories are being inspected.
Critics contend the understaffed department already had too much terrain to cover.
There are more than 5,000 garment factories in the Los Angeles area, and an additional 300 in San Francisco. Only six shops are registered in Sacramento County. For years, state officials have been accused of failing to adequately monitor the industry. But state Labor Commissioner Art Lujan defends the Department of Industrial Relations' vigilance. They have a presence in the community, and we're going to try to maintain the highest profile we can.