Industrial Welfare Commission facts for kids

The Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) was an important group in California. It was created in 1913 to help make sure workers were treated fairly. The IWC set rules for how much people should be paid (their wages), how many hours they could work, and what their working conditions should be like. Even though the IWC itself stopped receiving money from the California government in 2004, the rules it made are still used today. These rules are called "Wage Orders," and they are enforced by another part of the government called the California Department of Industrial Relations.

What is the Industrial Welfare Commission?

The Industrial Welfare Commission, or IWC, was a special group in California. Its main job was to protect workers. It made sure that businesses followed fair rules about jobs. This included making sure people earned enough money for their work. It also looked at how long people worked each day. And it checked that workplaces were safe and fair for everyone.

Why Was the IWC Formed?

The IWC was created in 1913. This was during a time known as the Progressive Era in the United States. During this period, many people wanted to fix problems in society. They wanted to make things better for everyday people. Before groups like the IWC, workers often faced very long hours. They sometimes worked in unsafe places. And they were paid very little. The IWC was formed to help stop these unfair practices. It aimed to create a safer and more just workplace for everyone in California.

What Did the IWC Do?

The IWC had several key responsibilities. It studied different types of jobs and industries. Then, it created specific rules for them. These rules covered three main areas:

• Wages: The IWC set minimum wages. This meant there was a lowest amount of money an employer could pay someone for their work.
• Hours: It also set limits on how many hours people could work. This helped prevent workers from being overworked.
• Working Conditions: The IWC made rules about safety and fairness in the workplace. This included things like breaks and a safe environment.

Understanding Wage Orders

The rules made by the IWC are called "Wage Orders." There are 18 different Wage Orders. Each one covers a specific industry or type of job. For example, one Wage Order might be for people working in restaurants. Another might be for people working in factories. These orders explain the exact rules for wages, hours, and working conditions in those jobs. Employers in California must display these Wage Orders where their employees can easily see and read them during the workday. This helps make sure everyone knows their rights.

What Happened to the IWC?

In 2004, the California government decided to stop giving money to the IWC. This meant the IWC could no longer operate as it once did. However, this did not mean its rules disappeared. The "Wage Orders" that the IWC created are still very much in effect today. They continue to be the law in California.

How Do These Rules Help Workers Today?

Even though the IWC itself is no longer active, its rules are still very important. The California Department of Industrial Relations now makes sure these rules are followed. This department has a special group called the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. They are responsible for checking that employers pay fair wages. They also ensure that working hours are correct. And they make sure workplaces are safe. So, the work started by the IWC over 100 years ago still helps protect workers in California every single day.