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What is Wage Theft?
Understanding an issue is key to fighting it. Wage theft occurs in many industries and it occurs when workers are not paid what they have been promised. This can take place in different forms depending on the type of jobs the worker is doing. In some instances wage theft occurs when:
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The employer is not respecting the minimum wage laws of the state
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Overtime payment is not given
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Workers are obligated to work "off the clock"
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Workers do not receive their last paycheck after leaving a job
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Workers work at a piece rate
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Workers' tips are stolen
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Workers do not receive meal or rest breaks
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And many other forms
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What is Being Done About The Issue?
In California there is an act that aims to protect the employees from wage theft. Under the act, employers are required to give employees a "written notice containing specified information at the time of hire." To ensure all employees understand the information, the notice must be given in the language the employee is most comfortable with.
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In Los Angeles, along with the minimum wage increase a new office has also been created to enforce wage and hour violations. This new office is named Office of Wage Standards.
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Still, employers often find ways to avoid consequences for their actions. Often, employers change the name or close their business as a way to avoid paying their employees what they deserve.
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What Can Workers Do?
Workers can take various stop if they are a victim of wage theft
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You can file a wage claim
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You can file a Labor Law Violation by mail or in person
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You can file a public works complaint by mail or in person
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If fired for filing any of the complaints above you can file a retaliation complaint
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