Wage Theft: What Is It and What Can Be Done About It
What Is Wage Theft? Wage theft refers to the unlawful practice of employers withholding wages or benefits that are rightfully owed to their employees. This can take many forms, including failing to pay the minimum wage, denying overtime pay, misclassifying employees as independent contractors, failing to provide meal and rest breaks, and other violations of labor laws. Wage theft has a significant impact on California employees, particularly those who are already vulnerable due to their low income or precarious work status. According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute, wage theft costs California workers an estimated $2 billion per year. This not only deprives workers of their hard-earned income but also has ripple effects on their families and communities, as they may struggle to make ends meet or fall into poverty. In response to the problem of wage theft, California has implemented strong labor laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect workers. For examp
