http://chicagoemploymentattorneysblog.com/2010/05/state-lawmakers-pass-wage-theft-bill.html

State Lawmakers Pass Wage Theft Bill

By Steven Tanner on May 4, 2010 9:10 AM

Chicago Public Radio WBEZ reported late last week that the Illinois House of Representatives have passed legislation aimed at curbing wage theft. Senate Bill 3568 was introduced as a way to better enforce laws against wage theft, as we discussed in this blog in April. 

Workers in low-wage industries throughout Cook County lose at least $7 million in unpaid overtime, lack of access to workers' compensation, wage violations, working off the books and other types of wage theft, according to University of Illinois at Chicago professor Nik Theodore.

Some of the most common victims of wage theft are undocumented immigrants, who usually fear that they will be deported if they go to the authorities. But any Chicago employment lawyer will say that laws protect illegal immigrants from such penalties if they step forward with a legitimate claim.

A study by the University of Illinois at Chicago's Center for Urban Economic Development concluded that Cook County employers short-change at least 146,000 workers per week, as reported earlier by WBEZ. Employee rights groups say current enforcement mechanisms are inadequate, which helped the House legislation gain traction. 

WBEZ interviewed Ted Smukler, policy director for Interfaith Worker Justice, in response to the bill's recent passage. He claims organizations such as his have been much more successful in asserting the rights of employees who are victims of wage theft than the state enforcers:

"They can take a group of workers to directly confront the boss or talk to the boss's customers. They can get them in touch with private attorneys. Government process on this is slow and redundant."

The labor rights activist strongly supports the bill and hopes government can catch up. The House amendments to the bill must be approved by the Senate before it moves to the governor for passage.

Wage theft is a serious issue and Illinois employment lawyers are trained to help you assert your rights. For more information, please visit our Related Resources links.

Related Resources:

• Minimum Wage and Overtime Basics (FindLaw) 
• Wage Theft Causes a Major Crackdown By Municipalities (FindLaw's Law & Daily Life Blog)
• Call an Illinois Employment Lawyer (FindLaw)