WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine announced Oct. 24 that his office is launching a comprehensive plan to hold abusive employers accountable for the wages they owe employees.
According to a 2017 study, more than $15 billion a year is stolen from workers by employers violating minimum-wage laws. Unfortunately, most workers lack the resources to combat this fraud; they also fear retaliation.
Racine’s office has hired dedicated to staff to pursue enforcement actions against employers who violate minimum wage laws. Additionally, Racine’s office created a portal of free resources to empower workers to protect themselves, and created a portal of comprehensive information about wage and hour laws within the district.
“While the overwhelming majority of employers follow the law, we will not tolerate the handful of employers who think they can cheat workers in the district,” Racine said. “Our office will bring the power of the government to bear against employers that make their money by stealing from their employees. And we will make sure that workers understand their rights and how to take action if employers violate those rights.”