National Day of Action Against Wage Theft on Thursday, November 18th
- 60 percent of nursing homes steal workers’ wages.
- 78 percent of restaurants in New Orleans steal workers’ wages.
- 100 percent of poultry plants steal workers’ wages.
- Wage theft is too big a crime to solve?
Except for the last one, the numbers are all true. Imagine being robbed at the street corner when you have just enough money to get you through the day. Now, picture that happening to you day in and day out.
Unfortunately for too many workers, especially those in low-wage jobs, being robbed is a reality they face every day — at their own work place.
Billions of dollars are stolen from millions of workers each year, often forcing them to choose between paying the rent or putting food on the table.
Wage theft affects not only the workers and their families, but also robs from the government’s tax coffers, resulting in cutbacks of vital services. Wage theft also puts ethical employers at a competitive disadvantage and can destroy community businesses, as working families cannot spend wages they haven’t received. Wage theft hurts everyone!
On November 18, individuals and groups in more than 50 cities across the country will take action against wage theft. Please join in calling attention to this epidemic and mobilizing support for the various efforts to combat it, from new national legislation to creative local initiatives.
Wage theft is a crime we can solve. In the past year, there have been local victories that have impacted the lives of workers. A couple of months ago, two new pieces of legislation were introduced, one to curtail worker misclassification and one to strengthen community anti-wage theft programs. The time to join in and take action is now. Lend your voice and speak up for justice.
What Can You do on the National Day of Action?
Take Action Against a Wage Theft Perpetrator:
- Conduct a bus tour of unethical businesses that steal wages
- Organize a group to confront an employer to pay his workers; flyer the business’ customers
- Hold a prayer vigil
- Plan an action at a non-union contractor or employer that is stealing wages and undercutting union companies.
Host a “Know Your Rights” Educational Workshop with Workers
Highlight Local Ordinance or State Law Campaigns/Victories
- Organize press events with legislation sponsors
- Lead an educational forum
Highlight the Need for National Anti-Wage Theft Legislation
- Lead a delegation of workers and faith leaders to your Representative
- Hold a press conference with your elected leaders
Announce a New Initiative Against Wage Theft
- Attorneys can file a new lawsuit
- Politicians can announce new initiatives
Academics can report on new wage theft survey results
…and Sign this Peition. Help stop Wage Theft- Workers should get the pay they’ve earned.
