Los Angeles City Council members have introduced a comprehensive package of motions aimed at addressing the issue of wage theft in the city before Labor Day. Council members Hugo Soto-Martínez and Tim McOsker hope to enhance enforcement of wage and hour violations and improve coordination between city departments to support victims of wage theft.
During a press conference outside City Hall, Soto-Martínez expressed optimism about the legislation, stating, “Today, we’re unveiling an incredible package of motions that will begin the process of ending Los Angeles’ reputation as the wage theft capital of the United States. Together, this legislation will bring justice to working people, who are facing and going up against corporate greed.”
Armando Gudino, the executive director of the L.A. Worker Center Network, joined the council members in their efforts to combat wage theft, which he described as one of the most significant challenges affecting low-wage workers globally. Gudino emphasized the impact of wage theft on low-income workers, stating that they lose an estimated 12.5% of their annual “take-home” pay.
McOsker mentioned that they previously introduced a motion in August to identify resources and staffing needs for the city attorney’s office to better prosecute wage theft cases. In addition, the council members introduced two new motions during Friday’s City Council meeting to further address wage theft.
The first motion seeks to empower the Office of Wage Standards to investigate state wage and hour violations, including nuanced forms of wage theft such as overtime, meal/rest break, late pay, and tip violations. Previously, only the state could investigate such violations, leading to inadequate enforcement due to insufficient resources.
The second motion asks the Office of Wage Standards and the Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department to report on ways they can collaborate to provide assistance for workers reporting wage theft. Currently, different city departments handle various employment violations, resulting in inconsistent implementation and additional challenges for workers seeking help.
During the press conference, McOsker emphasized the importance of raising awareness about forms of wage theft in appropriate languages to ensure that individuals can come forward, leading to investigation and prosecution of such crimes. He highlighted the disproportionate impact of wage theft on low-wage workers of color, immigrants, and women.
In support of these vulnerable groups, the councilmen plan to introduce resolutions endorsing federal legislation. One resolution aims to establish equal pay for men and women, addressing the wage gap that women face. The second resolution supports a federal bill mandating standard sick leave policies in the workplace.
Soto-Martínez stressed that the city loses $1.4 billion each year due to mistreatment of workers, particularly cooks, dishwashers, housekeepers, immigrants, and women of color. He also highlighted the alarming nature of wage theft, mentioning that it surpasses the investment made in addressing homelessness in Los Angeles.
City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto echoed the council members’ concerns, emphasizing the staggering extent and different forms of wage theft in L.A. Despite limited enforcement funding, her office has resolved five cases recently, resulting in approximately $2.5 million in restitution to workers and additional penalties.
Jeremiah Gordon, organizing coordinator at L.A. Black Worker Center, discussed the adverse impact of wage theft on Black Angelenos and the connection between income loss, homelessness, and substance abuse. Additionally, Patricia Alvarez Solis, a car washer and member of CLEAN Car Washer Worker Center, shared her personal experience as an immigrant Latina facing harassment and unfair wages.
These council members’ efforts aim to address the urgent problem of wage theft in Los Angeles, protect the rights of workers, and work towards a fair and just society where everyone is adequately compensated for their labor.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
