Report: Wage Theft Costs Pennsylvania Workers Tens Of Millions Each Year
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A new report says that wage theft impacts 400,000 Pennsylvania workers a year and costs them at least $19 million.
The study found a number of ways that workers are losing out.
Dave loved his job, driving trucks, so when the boss said he was a little short on pay day, Dave agreed to wait, until he ended up $2,000 behind in wages.
"It started to be like I can't pay my cell phone bill, electric bill, water bill."
Few employers may be as blatant, but a study by Temple University's Sheller Center found many shortchange workers in other ways, such as refusing to pay overtime or making illegal deductions from paychecks for things like uniforms or supplies.
Lead author Jennifer Lee says low wage workers are especially vulnerable.
"People are trying to work and make ends meet and unable to make those ends meet because employers are stealing wages from them."
Lee says there are legal remedies. Dave, for example, got full restitution after suing his boss and loves his new job.
