Each year, billions of dollars are stolen from workers. It affects our communities and our families. Over the past 17 years, New Labor has supported members in recovering almost $1,000,000 in unpaid wages and campaigned for a statewide wage theft bill. In June 2019, we celebrated with members, partner organizations, and supporters after the first anti-wage theft bill in NJ passed!
The new bill includes:
– Stronger Penalties for Wage Theft- Violator pays wages owed PLUS liquidated damages of no more than 200% (inf not an honest mistake on first offense)
– Guilty Employers can be charged with a disorderly person offense and can go to jail for up to 18 months depending on offense; 3-5 years for 3rd offense with “pattern of wage theft”
– Protection against retaliation within 90 days of making a claim
-Workers can file up to 6 years and up to $50,000 in unpaid wags with the NJDOL
– Licenses can be withheld or suspended if wages aren’t paid after final decisions
– Employers must provide info with how to file a wage claim at time of hiring