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Uniqlo and Target Made the List of NYC's Worst Retail Employers

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The Heattech tunnel at Uniqlo Fifth Avenue
The Heattech tunnel at Uniqlo Fifth Avenue

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Yesterday, the Retail Action Project released the results of a study that found low pay and poor treatment among New York City's store employees. Today, they're naming names. Their list of the worst national chains to work for in New York City includes some expected players—companies that have gotten in trouble for their sketchy practices in the past, like Abercrombie & Fitch and Forever 21. But it also includes everyone's favorite futuristic cashmere megabrand, Uniqlo, as well as Tommy Hilfiger, Club Monaco, and Target.

For the study, CUNY professor Stephanie Luce surveyed 436 workers in non-managerial positions at national, non-union chains in NYC. She found that although the industry is growing, many of the jobs out there aren't paying people enough (or giving them enough hours) to support their families. About a third of the people interviewed said they're using their wages to take care of at least one relative, and some 34% said they needed to rely on public assistance to get by, even with their jobs. For more details, check out RAP's website, which has a PDF of the full report.
· RackedWire: Study Reveals Retail Details [Racked NY]
· Study of Retail Workers Finds $9.50 Median Pay [NYT]
· Discounted Jobs: How Retailers Sell Workers Short [RAP]

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