Nov. 18th A “Day Against Wage Theft” In 50 Cities Across The Country

At least 50 cities have declared November 18th a “Day Against Wage Theft” as part of a national effort to draw attention to the impact of wage theft on communities throughout the country.

As stated in a recent report by the Research Institute for Social and Economic Policy at Florida International University:

“Wage theft is when workers are paid below the minimum wage, not paid for overtime, forced to work off the clock, have their time cards altered, are misclassified as independent contractors, or are simply not paid a wage for work performed.”

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), is intended to protect against “wage theft” and is applicable to virtually all employers. The FLSA requires that workers be paid minimum wage and unless exempt, compensated for overtime at a rate of one and one-half times their regular rate of pay. Despite such provisions, many employers violate the FLSA and seek ways to avoid paying employees all the compensation they are entitled to.

Although commonly wage theft affects low-wage and immigrant workers, it can apply to nearly all professions including law, accounting, health care, food services, and social assistance industries.

When “wage theft” occurs, not only do workers suffer, but so do the communities as a result of residents having less money to put back into the economy through the purchase of basic necessities such as food, clothing and housing.

As Georgia employment law attorneys dedicated to protecting employee’s rights, we support the “Day Against Wage Theft” campaign raising awareness about this critical issue. For more information, or if you believed your employer has failed to pay you all the compensation due, contact Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP to find out how we can help.