What is Wage Theft?
The illegal practice of not paying workers for all their work, including violations like not paying minimum wage, denying overtime, or stealing tips.
Understanding Wage Theft
Wage theft is the most common labor violation in America. It includes off-the-clock work, misclassifying employees as independent contractors, illegal deductions, and not providing final paychecks. Victims can recover unpaid wages, liquidated damages, and attorney fees.
Examples
- 1Requiring work before clocking in or after clocking out
- 2Misclassifying employees as exempt from overtime
- 3Taking illegal deductions from paychecks
Related Terms
Wrongful Termination
Illegal firing of an employee in violation of federal or state laws, employment contracts, or public policy.
Employment Discrimination
Unfair treatment of employees or job applicants based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin.
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects employment or creates a hostile work environment.
FMLA Leave
Job-protected unpaid leave guaranteed by the Family and Medical Leave Act for qualifying family and medical reasons, including childbirth, serious health conditions, or caring for a family member.
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