Wage and hour violations in urban labour markets: a comparison ofLosAngeles,NewYork andChicago

Abstract

This article compares violations of minimum wage laws and other labour standards in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. Los Angeles has the highest violation rates, due to such factors as its industrial composition and disproportionately large number of small establishments, as well as its vast unauthorised immigrant population. In addition, Los Angeles’ higher rates reflect the stricter legal standards in California. We conclude that, although stronger workplace laws and regulations are crucial, in the absence of effective enforcement, they may fail to prevent workplace violations.

The compliance model of employment standards enforcement: an evidence‐based assessment of its efficacy in instances of wage theft

“…There is growing recognition that the changing nature of employment fuels precariousness in labour markets and creates an environment in which employees face greater risk of experiencing ES violations. At the lower end of the labour market, in industries such as cleaning, food services and accommodation, the increasing prevalence of sub‐contracting and outsourcing further intensifies competition and makes ES violations a routine strategy of labour cost containment (Bernhardt et al, ; Milkman et al, ; Weil, , ). The limited resources available to labour inspectorates (ILO, : para.…”

Precarity and agency through a migration lens

“…Research indeed suggests that, on the whole, immigrant and especially undocumented workers, are both more likely to be victims of workplace abuse, as well as less likely to contest workplace violations (Bernhardt et al 2009). This is due in large part to their location within unregulated industries, which are characterized by increasing flexibility due to subcontracting and reliance on temporary workers (Bernhardt, Spiller, and Polson 2013;Milkman, González, and Ikeler 2012). Within the context of precarious work, low-wage immigrants deploy various strategies to manage the risk and uncertainty of their legal and economic lives.…”

The Rise of the “Gig Economy” and Implications for Understanding Work and Workers

“…In a survey conducted by a trade association, 40% of freelancers reported being paid late or not at all in the previous year (Freelancers Union, 2010). Low-wage employees are sometimes not paid overtime or are otherwise victims of wage theft (Milkman, González, & Ikeler, 2012), but they can file claims with federal or state departments of labor. In contrast, freelancers' only recourse when they are unable to collect payment is to take a client to court, which many view as impractical (Light, 2010).…”