The True Cost of a Car Wash sheds light on the hidden and harsh realities faced by Hispanic and Latino workers in the car wash industry, where wage theft is a pervasive issue. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, workers in Los Angeles County are cheated out of a staggering $26 to $28 million every week due to wage theft. This powerful documentary uncovers how these hardworking individuals are denied their rightful earnings, exposing a crisis that many are unaware of.
As we observe Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 with the theme Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, this first episode of the series Hispanic Communities: Powering a New American Economy urges us to confront the systemic injustices affecting vulnerable communities.
By bringing these stories to the forefront, The True Cost of a Car Wash not only highlights the struggles of these workers but also serves as a call to action for justice and fairness. The episode underscores how the resilience and ingenuity of Hispanic and Latino communities are essential to shaping the future of the American workforce and driving economic growth.