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Columbus City Council takes action against employers who commit wage theft

On Behalf of | Jan 12, 2021 | Wage: Minimum Wage |

Most employees in Ohio do their jobs in exchange for an agreed-upon salary. For 2020, wages must be at least $8.80 per hour for workers who do not receive tips. In addition, hourly employees who work more than 40 hours in a week are entitled to overtime wages of time-and-a-half of their standard pay.

Employers who refuse to pay their staff what they have earned commit wage theft. Common tactics include paying workers below minimum wage and refusing to recognize overtime work. Workers who complain can find themselves demoted or fired in retaliation.

Wage theft is against the law in Ohio. But the Columbus City Council recently added legal discouragement of this practice.

Businesses who cheat workers cannot work with Columbus

Back in September, the city council passed a bill prohibiting a company caught committing wage theft or misclassifying employees as contractors from obtaining a contract for a city project for up to four years. In addition, such businesses will not be able to obtain city permits, building permits or commercial licenses. Nor will they be able to work at a development site covered by a financial incentive agreement.

The purpose’s bill is to ensure “a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work,” according to one city council member. While workers who have been fully paid for their work have the right to sue, having city government on their side can help prevent such incidents from happening in the first place.

Fighting for their rightful pay

People in Ohio work hard to earn an income and provide for their families. Defending their right to full payment and being properly classified as employees often fall on the victims’ shoulders. Such cases often involve multiple plaintiffs seeking compensation from the same employer. An experienced employment law attorney can help hold a current or former employer accountable.