Wage theft is a pervasive labor issue—globally and in the United States—that involves the unlawful withholding or underpayment of wages rightfully owed to employees by their employers. This unethical practice takes various forms and can occur across different industries and sectors.
Some common examples of wage theft include employers not paying their workers the legally mandated minimum wage, denying overtime pay, forcing employees to work off-the-clock without compensation, misclassifying workers as independent contractors to avoid providing benefits, and withholding tips or service charges intended for employees.
Wage theft not only compromises the financial security of workers but also erodes trust between employees and employers, leading to decreased morale and productivity within the workforce. This exploitative practice has far-reaching consequences, disproportionately affecting vulnerable and marginalized communities.
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