30/08/2020
Commentary: Lawmakers must act to protect workers from wage theft
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Before the pandemic, it took the Labor Department more than two years on
average to resolve wage theft claims. With the agency now putting wage theft
investigations on hold to devote more resources to unemployment claims,
workers will face even longer waits.
At the same time, forced arbitration effectively leaves workers with no avenue
for private enforcement of their rights. Most employers force workers to sign
arbitration requirements as a condition of employment, denying them the right
to go before a judge or jury when their employer breaks the law. Instead, private
arbitrators, whose fees are typically paid by the employer, decide workers'
claims. Arbitration requirements typically prevent co-workers from banding
together and require strict confidentiality.
RELATED NEWS: B.C. officials pressured to crack down on COVID-19 violations
https://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/Commentary-Lawmakers-must-act-to-protect-workers-15511424.php
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