Something I learned recently: Low-wage workers in LA are cheated out of wages and benefits to the tune of approximately $26.2 million *per week.*
That makes LA the wage theft capital of the entire country.
What’s going on here? (thread) https://humanimpact.org/hipprojects/la-wage-theft-ordinance/">https://humanimpact.org/hipprojec...
That makes LA the wage theft capital of the entire country.
What’s going on here? (thread) https://humanimpact.org/hipprojects/la-wage-theft-ordinance/">https://humanimpact.org/hipprojec...
Wage theft comes in many forms. It can mean failing to pay workers minimum wage or overtime required by law, or forcing them to work off the clock or during breaks.
But why does it happen more frequently in LA? This UCLA study helps shed some light. https://www.labor.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/LAwagetheft.pdf">https://www.labor.ucla.edu/wp-conten...
But why does it happen more frequently in LA? This UCLA study helps shed some light. https://www.labor.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/LAwagetheft.pdf">https://www.labor.ucla.edu/wp-conten...
The UCLA study found that while wage theft in LA touches all occupations, two stood out: child care workers and garment workers.
Women are also targeted more frequently than men, and immigrants more than US-born workers.
Women are also targeted more frequently than men, and immigrants more than US-born workers.
LA has the highest concentration of garment workers in the US, and one of the highest percentages of foreign-born residents -- so its population is especially vulnerable to wage theft.
But that’s just one side of the equation. The other is enforcement. https://www.labor.ucla.edu/new-report-garment-workers-in-los-angeles/">https://www.labor.ucla.edu/new-repor...
But that’s just one side of the equation. The other is enforcement. https://www.labor.ucla.edu/new-report-garment-workers-in-los-angeles/">https://www.labor.ucla.edu/new-repor...
LA passed a law in 2015 to combat wage theft, establishing the Office of Wage Standards.
Since 2016, the office has recovered about $382K in stolen wages. But that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the more than $1 billion LA& #39;s workers lose each year.
https://wagesla.lacity.org/sites/g/files/wph471/f/Milestone-Report-2020-04-16.pdf">https://wagesla.lacity.org/sites/g/f...
Since 2016, the office has recovered about $382K in stolen wages. But that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the more than $1 billion LA& #39;s workers lose each year.
https://wagesla.lacity.org/sites/g/files/wph471/f/Milestone-Report-2020-04-16.pdf">https://wagesla.lacity.org/sites/g/f...
Wage theft enforcement is complicated: workers are often afraid to speak up, due to immigration status or fear of retribution.
But the Investigation and Compliance Section of LA’s Office of Wage Standards mostly works by reacting to complaints. What about unreported violations?
But the Investigation and Compliance Section of LA’s Office of Wage Standards mostly works by reacting to complaints. What about unreported violations?
One thing that would help workers feel safer about reporting wage theft? A citywide Municipal ID program, which I& #39;ve advocated for in my immigration platform.
Cities like New York and Chicago have already implemented ID programs. LA should follow suit. https://www.nithyaforthecity.com/platform/immigration/">https://www.nithyaforthecity.com/platform/...
Cities like New York and Chicago have already implemented ID programs. LA should follow suit. https://www.nithyaforthecity.com/platform/immigration/">https://www.nithyaforthecity.com/platform/...
Another department we could look to to make an even greater impact on wage theft is the City Attorney’s office.
What if we shifted resources from prosecuting misdemeanor crimes, which often target low-income residents, and devoted them instead to protecting vulnerable workers?
What if we shifted resources from prosecuting misdemeanor crimes, which often target low-income residents, and devoted them instead to protecting vulnerable workers?
What if, like cities in Texas and Colorado, LA made wage theft a criminal offense?
That way, companies could no longer operate with impunity -- simply closing up shop when caught, or budgeting for civil fines as the “cost of doing business.” https://www.texastribune.org/2011/11/17/texas-officials-announce-crackdown-wage-theft/">https://www.texastribune.org/2011/11/1...
That way, companies could no longer operate with impunity -- simply closing up shop when caught, or budgeting for civil fines as the “cost of doing business.” https://www.texastribune.org/2011/11/17/texas-officials-announce-crackdown-wage-theft/">https://www.texastribune.org/2011/11/1...
LA could be doing so much more for its low-wage workers to stop the rampant wage theft that impedes their ability to thrive in this city.
But we won’t get there until we start reimagining city government as the first line of defense in protecting the most vulnerable among us.
But we won’t get there until we start reimagining city government as the first line of defense in protecting the most vulnerable among us.
Have you ever been a victim of wage theft?
If so, how did you respond? What would have helped you? Share your stories in the replies.
If so, how did you respond? What would have helped you? Share your stories in the replies.