Labor Day: Honoring Workers by Demanding Better Standards in Apparel

Labor Day is a time to celebrate the dignity of work and the contributions of workers who keep our society running. But while many of us enjoy a well-earned day of rest, it’s worth pausing to remember the millions of garment workers worldwide who don’t get fair treatment, safe conditions, or even a living wage for the clothes they make.

The Reality Behind the Clothes

The apparel industry is built on human labor—but too often, that labor is undervalued and exploited. Over the years, major brands have been called out for serious abuses:

Dior & Armani: Reports revealed migrant workers in Italy making handbags for as little as $2 per hour—luxury items later sold for thousands.

H&M, Adidas, and Gap: Investigations tied their supply chains to cotton farms in India where child labor was rampant.

Nike, Puma, and Uniqlo: From sweatshop scandals in the 1990s to recent links with forced Uyghur labor in Xinjiang, these brands have repeatedly faced scrutiny for labor practices.

Guess & Russell Brands: U.S.-based cases showed sweatshop conditions, wage theft, and union-busting tactics.

And these are only the headline names. Behind subcontractors, middlemen, and opaque sourcing networks, abuses still thrive. Tragedies like the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh remind us what’s at stake when brands put profit before people.

Our Commitment at Breaking Free Industries

At Breaking Free Industries, we believe the true spirit of Labor Day is honoring the people whose work makes our world possible. That’s why we hold ourselves—and our suppliers—to the highest labor standards:

No child or forced labor in any part of our supply chain.

Safe, healthy working conditions for every worker.

Fair, livable wages that respect human dignity.

Transparency and accountability at every step, no matter how small or large the supplier.

We may not be the biggest player in the apparel industry, but that doesn’t let us off the hook. Change happens when companies of all sizes stand firm and demand that their suppliers respect workers’ rights.

A Call This Labor Day

Labor Day is more than a long weekend—it’s a reminder of the battles fought for fair wages, reasonable hours, and safe workplaces. Those fights are not over. Around the world, garment workers are still waiting for the same dignity that this holiday represents.

This Labor Day, let’s commit not only to honoring workers in word, but in action. Let’s ensure that every shirt, hat, and hoodie we produce—and every garment we wear—reflects respect for the people who made it.

At Breaking Free Industries, we’re proud to do our part. Because labor standards aren’t just good policy—they’re a moral obligation.