What action can employees take if they suspect they are victims of wage theft?

The appropriate action for employees who suspect they are victims of wage theft is to file a complaint with the Department of Labor or take legal action. When employees believe their rights regarding pay have been violated, it's essential to take proactive steps to address the issue through formal channels. Reporting the suspected wage theft to the Department of Labor can initiate an investigation into the employer’s practices, potentially leading to the recovery of lost wages and holding the employer accountable for illegal conduct. This action often serves as the most effective way to seek justice and protect workers' rights under employment law. Engaging with legal avenues also provides a structured approach to resolving the issue, ensuring that the proper processes and regulations are followed.

While discussing the matter with a supervisor may seem like a reasonable first step in some situations, it might not yield results, particularly if the employer is complicit in the wage theft. Ignoring the situation would allow the problem to persist unaddressed, and simply requesting a raise does not directly confront the issue of wage theft; rather, it focuses on future compensation without rectifying past wrongdoing. Therefore, filing a complaint or taking legal action remains the most effective pathway for employees facing wage theft.