Anyone can fall victim to wage theft. Some employers will look for ways to avoid paying their workers what they’re owed.
However, there are some industries where wage theft is more likely to happen, and certain demographics are the victims.
A $50 million problem
Approximately $50 million is stolen from the California workforce each year. And while it can happen in any workplace, the hospitality, agriculture, retail and food services sectors are particularly notorious for wage theft.
Furthermore, employers who engage in wage theft typically target the following:
Women and minority groups: They are frequently employed in sectors that pay low wages, and gender and racial discrimination can exacerbate the problem, often being paid less or unfairly.
Immigrants: The language barriers, fear of deportation and not understanding the local labor laws often make them prime targets in industries such as farm work, construction and domestic services.
Young workers: This group may not fully understand their legal rights; if they do, they often lack the confidence to challenge their employer.
Undocumented workers: Employers exploit their precarious status to avoid paying fair wages.
Employers engage in wage theft in various ways, including:
- Not paying workers for the overtime they are doing
- Paying less than the legally mandated minimum wage
- Illegal deductions from their workers’ paychecks, such as breakage or cash drawer shortage
- Misclassifying employees as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits
Wage theft not only harms a vulnerable workforce but also contributes to the perpetual cycle of poverty and inequality. It also impacts all Californians. Tax monies that should go to improving roads, supporting social programs and funding education and healthcare instead stay in the pockets of the employers.
We all must stay vigilant. If you believe you, or someone you know, is a victim of wage theft, it’s crucial that you reach out to someone who will fight to protect your rights.