The CLEAN Carwash Worker Center stands as a beacon of innovation and advocacy in the car wash sector, pioneering a unique model that merges community organizing, worker empowerment, and the principles of traditional labor unions. This hybrid approach allows CLEAN to effectively drive radical social change and champion the rights of car wash workers. Since its inception, CLEAN has achieved significant milestones, reshaping industry standards and directly improving the lives of countless workers.
Landmark Legal Victory: The Car Wash Worker Law
A cornerstone of CLEAN’s achievements is the successful enactment of the Car Wash Worker Law (AB 1387) in 2014. This groundbreaking legislation established a restitution fund specifically for car wash workers, a truly unique accomplishment within the industry. California’s restitution funds are exceptionally rare, existing only within the car wash, garment, and agricultural sectors, highlighting the significance of CLEAN’s legal win. This law provides a crucial statewide mechanism for car wash employees who have suffered wage theft to reclaim their rightfully earned wages with the backing of the State of California. This legal framework ensures fairer labor practices within the Clean Car Wash industry.
Elevating Skills through a Peer-Led Detail Program
Recognizing the importance of skill development and career advancement, CLEAN has developed a one-of-a-kind peer training program within the car wash industry. This Detail Program leverages the extensive experience of seasoned car wash workers, allowing them to train their peers in the art of auto detailing. CLEAN car wash workers themselves collaboratively develop and implement the curriculum, drawing upon their diverse expertise in hand car wash techniques. This initiative equips workers with higher-paying skills such as buffing, waxing, polishing, claying, and interior steam cleaning, opening doors to better job opportunities. Addressing the common issue of denied on-the-job training, this program acts as a career accelerator and fosters professional growth within a supportive, worker-led environment, directly enhancing the quality of services offered in the clean car wash sector.
Fostering Entrepreneurship: The Car Wash Worker Co-operative
Building upon the success of the Detail Program, an inspiring cohort of CLEAN car wash workers embarked on a journey to create their own enterprise: CleanWash Mobile LLC, the first car wash worker cooperative. Born from the Detail Program, this initiative embodies worker empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit. While the launch of CleanWash Mobile LLC faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the co-operative remains active and continues to be nurtured under the incubation of the CLEAN Carwash Worker Center. Car wash workers are diligently planning for a soft launch, aiming to bring their vision of a worker-owned clean car wash to fruition. This co-operative model represents a sustainable and ethical approach to the clean car wash business.
Holding Unethical Practices Accountable: The $2.4 Million Citation
Demonstrating its commitment to enforcing fair labor standards, CLEAN played a pivotal role in securing a landmark $2.4 million citation against the Playa Vista Carwash in Culver City, CA. This citation, the largest ever issued against a car wash business in California, followed a multi-year investigation and the courageous leadership of car wash workers who bravely spoke out against widespread violations of minimum wage and overtime laws. This significant victory, extensively covered by the LA Times, underscores the transformative impact of CLEAN’s organizing efforts in ensuring ethical and legal operations within the clean car wash industry.
Through innovative organizing, legal victories, skill-building programs, and cooperative ventures, the CLEAN Carwash Worker Center is not only transforming the lives of car wash workers but also setting new standards for ethical and sustainable practices within the broader clean car wash industry.
