Alo Yoga's Staffing Practices Under Scrutiny

In a revealing article, we examined the practices of Alo Yoga, a clothing brand that surged in popularity during the pandemic, notably with endorsements from celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lopez. To meet the skyrocketing demand, Alo Yoga and its sister company, Bella + Canvas, opened a new warehouse in Nevada and turned to staffing agencies for workers, including many unauthorized migrants. This reliance is common in the industry, as many companies prefer to avoid direct responsibility for their labor practices by using staffing firms. While these agencies provide employment for migrants seeking opportunities in the United States, many have a troubling history of allegations including sexual harassment, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions. Among these agencies, Baron HR has been linked to Alo Yoga and Bella + Canvas, with reported issues of worker mistreatment, delayed payments, and insufficient safety measures. Reports indicate that Baron HR specifically targeted undocumented workers due to their reluctance to voice grievances. Despite evidence of violations and financial struggles, Alo Yoga continued to run holiday promotions while their employees faced payment issues. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges of undocumented migration in the labor market and raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of big brands that benefit from the oversight of their staffing practices. As the industry evolves, the fate of firms like Baron HR, which filed for bankruptcy amid allegations of tax fraud, shows a pattern of exploitation that remains pervasive.