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Free trade and garment work: the impact of NAFTA on service and manufacturing jobs in the Los Angeles apparel industry

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  • Judi A. Kessler

Abstract

This article examines the impact of North American economic integration on apparel‐related employment in Los Angeles and provides a first look at consequent changes in the composite of apparel‐related occupations in the Los Angeles apparel industry. It assesses the effects of new NAFTA‐generated transnational production networks and global production strategies on apparel industry employment, including the creation of ‘new NAFTA jobs’in the greater Los Angeles area, as well as changes in hiring patterns across occupational categories. The article also explores the accessibility of NAFTA‐generated apparel jobs to displaced workers in the labor‐intensive segments of the industry. The findings suggest that the new NAFTA jobs are inaccessible to the thousands of apparel manufacturing workers displaced by the trend in offshore sourcing. Finally, the article discusses the implications and consequences of recent state‐industry partnership programs designed to train and cross‐train sewing operators for jobs that are rapidly leaving the region. Cet article examine l'impact de l'intégration économique nord‐américaine sur l'emploi dans l'habillement à Los Angeles, en procurant un premier regard sur les changements occasionnés pour la mosaïque des métiers de ce secteur d'activités dans cette ville. Il évalue les effets des nouveaux réseaux de fabrication transnationale générés par l'ALENA et des stratégies de production mondialisées sur l'emploi du secteur, y compris la création des ‘nouveaux emplois ALENA’ dans l'agglomération de Los Angeles, ainsi que les changements dans les schémas d'embauche pour les diverses catégories professionnelles. De plus, il explore l'accessibilité des emplois de l'habillement créés par l'ALENA pour les travailleurs déplacés dans les segments industriels à forte main‐d'œuvre. D'après les résultats, ces nouveaux emplois sont inaccessibles aux milliers d'ouvriers de la fabrication vestimentaire déplacés par la tendance à un approvisionnement étranger. Enfin, sont abordées les implications et conséquences des récents programmes de partenariat État‐industrie pour la formation et la formation polyvalente d'opératrices de machines à coudre à des postes qui quittent rapidement la région.

Suggested Citation

  • Judi A. Kessler, 2004. "Free trade and garment work: the impact of NAFTA on service and manufacturing jobs in the Los Angeles apparel industry," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(2), pages 308-328, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijurrs:v:28:y:2004:i:2:p:308-328
    DOI: 10.1111/j.0309-1317.2004.00521.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nora C. Lustig, 1997. "NAFTA: Setting the Record Straight," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 20(5), pages 605-614, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Deborah Leslie & Shauna Brail & Mia Hunt, 2014. "Crafting an Antidote to Fast Fashion: The Case of Toronto's Independent Fashion Design Sector," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(2), pages 222-239, June.

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