The U.S. Department of Labor has announced its Wage and Hour Division has successfully recovered more than $1 billion in back wages and damages for workers since the beginning of the Biden-Harris administration.
The recovery spans from January 20, 2021, to September 30, 2024. It has provided financial relief to more than 615,000 workers nationwide.
The announcement signals a strong commitment from the administration to protecting workers’ rights and enforcing foundational labor laws.
A Focus on Low-Wage and High-Violation Industries
Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su highlighted the administration’s dedication to safeguarding America’s workforce, particularly those in vulnerable positions.
She stressed the Department of Labor ensures the nation’s essential workers, including hotel cleaners, home care aides, and meatpackers, receive fair compensation.
She said:
“We are putting money back in workers’ pockets and signaling to bad actors that they won’t get away with wage theft and illegal child labor on our watch.”
The Wage and Hour Division enforces critical labor standards like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This mandates federal minimum wage and overtime pay, and prevailing wage laws for federally funded contracts.
The agency’s enforcement priorities target industries with high violations, such as healthcare, agriculture, and construction, to protect workers in these sectors.
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Stories of Impact
The Department of Labor shared real-life stories to illustrate the significance of the recovered wages. Joely Maniscalco, a home health aide in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was a victim of wage theft by two employers.
With over $1,000 in back wages recovered, she was able to secure housing and prevent an impending eviction.
She said:
“I am grateful to the Wage and Hour Division. They helped me understand my rights as a home care worker.”
In another case, Demetria Jones, a housekeeper at a Florida motel, asked for help from the Wage and Hour Division after not receiving payment for all her worked hours.
Jones said she had worked hard and deserved proper pay. The division’s investigation resulted in her receiving over $2,000 in back wages and overtime compensation.
Commitment to Protecting Workers
Jessica Looman, the Wage and Hour Administrator, reiterated the division’s commitment to protecting workers, particularly those from underserved communities.
She highlighted the importance of recovered wages for essentials like housing and childcare.
She said:
“The money we recover from employers helps workers pay for housing, childcare and other necessities. While we are proud to have recovered $1 billion in workers’ owed wages and damages, we remain concerned by the wage theft we have uncovered and the harm it causes for hard-working people across the nation. We will continue to use all our tools to protect workers across the country.”
Beyond enforcement, the Wage and Hour Division aims to raise awareness of workers’ rights through outreach and education programs. The agency also offers compliance assistance to employers, helping them establish lawful employment practices and avoid violations.
Moving Forward: A Continued Focus on Workers’ Rights
The Biden-Harris administration’s emphasis on holding employers accountable and recovering wages reflects a broader effort to protect vulnerable workers and deter wage theft.
As the Department of Labor continues to investigate and address labor violations, it underscores its dedication to upholding essential worker protections and ensuring fair pay.
Through its enforcement actions and outreach efforts, the Department of Labor aims to build a fairer workplace for all, sending a clear message that wage theft and violations of labor laws will not be tolerated.
