All About the Fabric Act: A Teach-In and Happy Hour
Join us for a fun and informative evening at the Chicago Fair Trade Holiday Pop-Up Shop and Museum to learn about the FABRIC Act: a groundbreaking bill designed to ensure that American garment workers are fairly paid and revitalize the US’s entire clothing industry. You don’t need to be a politics buff to join in – this is for anyone who cares about ending injustice, and/or enjoys a happy hour with a little learning on the side! The teach-in will be hosted by Jerome McDonnell, the much-loved former host of Worldview and Environment and Climate Reporter at WBEZ.
You can join virtually at 6:00 via Zoom using this link.
Agenda
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Happy Hour
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Introduction to the FABRIC Act and Q&A (in-person or virtual)
PLEASE NOTE: The 6:00PM session can be attended in-person or virtually. When you book a virtual ticket, we’ll email you the meeting link.
What is the FABRIC Act?
The FABRIC Act – short for “Fashioning Accountability and Building Real Institutional Change” – was first proposed in May 2022 by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. If passed, the Act will be the first robust federal law regulating fashion brands and retailers by enforcing minimum wage standards and bring garment factories back into the U.S. economy.
Why is the FABRIC Act important?
Garment workers are a cornerstone of the American economy, but for far too long, they have faced unsafe working conditions, wage theft, and piecework pay. Fast and cheap manufacturing is often prioritized over worker safety. Likewise, the US’s vital apparel manufacturing sectors has faced decades of offshoring pressure and a lack of investments. The FABRIC Act is a crucial first step towards combating these problems.
Why are we talking about this now?
The FABRIC Act was recently reintroduced to the Senate in September 2023. Encouragingly, Senator Tammy Duckworth has already re-affirmed her support as a co-sponsor. To move the bill forward further, we need your help! Our next aim is to engage Senator Dick Durbin as a co-sponsor in the Senate and secure co-sponsorships from Illinois members of the House of Representatives.
How can I help?
Come along to our teach-in to find out! If you’re feeling inspired to take action after learning more about the FABRIC Act, we’ll provide you with everything you need to do just that. Book your ticket today!
This event is part of Chicago Fair Fashion Week, a week-long celebration of Chicago’s role in building a better, fairer fashion industry. Today, not only is the global clothing industry responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, but 93% of brands don’t pay their garment workers a living wage. As a designated Fair Trade City with the largest number of fair trade businesses in the US, Chicago is blazing a trail to provide all clothing-wearers with better options. Take part in Chicago Fair Fashion Week to learn more and create a more ethical and eco-friendly wardrobe!
LOCATION
Chicago Fair Trade Pop-Up Shop and Museum, 2352 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60614