Wage theft is the failure to pay wages or provide employee benefits owed to an employee by contract or law. It is a significant problem, with wage theft statistics indicating an alarming need to correct this issue. Wage theft can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Failing to pay overtime
• Violating minimum-wage laws
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
• Illegal deductions in pay
• Forcing employees to work "off the clock"
• Not paying annual leave or holiday entitlements
• Not paying an employee at all

Wage theft is common in the United States, particularly against low-wage workers, including legal citizens to undocumented immigrants. According to a 2023 study, a significant amount of wage theft goes unreported because employees may not fully understand what constitutes wage theft, or they fear reprisals.

If you believe you are a victim of wage theft, you should speak to a skilled employment lawyer. An attorney can determine whether your employer’s actions constitute wage theft and discuss your legal options. Completing the following steps can help protect your rights and allow you to pursue unpaid wages:

• Collect evidence: Once you suspect your employer of committing wage theft, you should begin gathering helpful evidence. Evidence can include your pay stubs, employment contract, and communications with your employer.
• File a complaint: You can file a complaint with the Department of Labor or your states labor department.
• Contact an attorney: An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Wage theft causes many families to fall below the poverty line, and it increases workers’ reliance on public assistance, costing taxpayers money. To address this issue, states should strengthen legal protections against wage theft, increase penalties for violators, bolster enforcement capacities, and protect workers from retaliation when violations are reported.