Wage theft is more common than you think: do you know your rights?
You work hard to earn a living, and you expect to be paid for your work. Unfortunately, workers are not always paid what they legally deserve, and that’s a problem. Wage theft is a serious issue for workers in all types of industries, but those earning low wages are more likely to be victims of this illegal practice.
Reports show that in Los Angeles, low wage workers lose more than $25 million every week due to wage theft violations. Wage theft impacts individuals who rely on receiving fair wages to support their families. This can make it difficult to make ends meet and cause additional stress and anxiety in a person’s life.
Wage theft is common throughout the United States. This is why workers need to become familiar with this illegal practice. Can you spot some of the common types of wage theft? Some of them include:
- Not being paid overtime according to legal guidelines
- Not receiving meal or rest breaks
- Not receiving all of your tips
- Paid off the books
It can be difficult to tell if you have been the victim of wage theft. However, it happens more than many workers realize. Do not wait to explore your legal options if you suspect you are a victim of this common wage and hour violation.
You have rights if you are not receiving your fair wages or if your employer is violating wage and hour laws. You may be able to file a claim to help recover your lost wages and to hold your employer accountable for their illegal actions. An attorney can help you understand your specific case and what legal options are available.