In addition, the governor emphasized that his administration will continue to do everything in its power to protect workers. His administration will stop deceitful tactics and “ensure that they are paid what they are owed.”
On the other hand, State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “We’ve taken unprecedented action to ensure that those who have wages stolen get what they’re owed.”
“I applaud the dedicated investigators who have helped build New York’s reputation as a national leader in the fight against wage theft,” added Reardon.
The state’s Department of Labor established Mediation and Anti-Retaliation Units to further its wage recovery efforts. The Mediation Unit tried to expedite resolutions so that workers receive their stolen wages faster. The Anti-Retaliation Unit protects workers who are under negative situation after filing a complaint against their employers for violating labor laws.
Some of the most common ways employers steal wages from workers
- Paying tips only
- Paying a day rate for work performed that is sub-minimum wage when hours worked are counted
- Not paying an overtime rate for hours worked over 40 in a payroll week
- Failure to pay the correct prevailing wage
- Not paying for travel time between work assignments in the same day
- Withholding final paychecks
- Not paying for “training” time
- Charging employees for required uniforms or equipment
