It is crucial that employers comply with state and federal wage and hour laws, including minimum wage laws. Failure to do so runs the risk of wage claims and lawsuits from employees, not to mention investigations and crackdowns by government agencies.

The garment industry in Southern California is one area that has attracted the attention of officials at the state and federal level, as noted in an AP story. According to the AP, federal officials intend to crackdown on sweatshop conditions in an effort that could last years.