Los Angeles, often seen as a city of opportunity, hides a harsh reality:
it is the epicenter of wage theft in the United States. An alarming 30% of workers in Los Angeles County are paid less than the minimum wage, costing laborers an estimated $26-28 million every week.
This exploitation disproportionately affects the city’s Hispanic population, who dominate industries such as garment manufacturing, construction, domestic work, and car wash services—sectors notorious for wage violations and unsafe conditions. Car wash workers, for example, endure grueling hours in the sun and exposure to dangerous chemicals, only to have their wages stolen.
Many workers in these industries lack awareness of their rights or fear retaliation when they attempt to advocate for fair treatment and a safe working environment.
These workers often face job loss, threats of deportation, or blacklisting for speaking out. Meanwhile, structural barriers, such as limited access to small business loans, trap many in low-wage jobs, perpetuating economic inequality.
The CLEAN Carwash Worker Center in Los Angeles represents a shining example of community-led efforts to combat these injustices. Established in 2007, the center functions as a worker cooperative, empowering its predominantly Hispanic members to fight against labor violations. Staffed by dedicated advocates and governed by car wash workers themselves, the center provides resources, education, and a platform for collective action.
“We see wage theft mostly in garment, in car wash, in agriculture, in construction (specifically day laborers), domestic workers, and also within that realm, in-home care providers.”
Yvonne Garcia Medrano, Staff Attorney, Bet Tzedek Legal Services
One of the center’s landmark achievements was lobbying for the Car Wash Worker Law (AB 1387) in 2014, which established a restitution fund for victims of wage theft in the car wash industry. This victory not only compensated exploited workers but also inspired broader advocacy efforts across garment, agricultural, and other high-violation sectors.
Los Angeles’ labor rights movement is about more than wages; it’s part of a broader fight for justice, equity, and dignity. Through initiatives like CLEAN, workers are reclaiming their rights and building a future where fair labor practices are the standard—not the exception.