TED: How employers steal from workers -- and get away with it | Rebecca Galemba

The video discusses wage theft, a significant issue affecting millions of American workers across various industries, particularly day laborers. It highlights the challenges faced by immigrant workers, including exploitation and lack of legal protection. Through Bernal's story, the video illustrates common employer tactics to avoid paying wages. It also explores the barriers workers face in seeking justice and the strategies they employ to combat wage theft. The changing nature of work, with more jobs resembling day labor, exacerbates these issues, necessitating updates to labor laws and enforcement.

What is wage theft and how does it compare to other types of theft in terms of economic impact?

• Wage theft is a minor issue with little economic impact.

• Wage theft is a significant issue, costing more than auto theft, robbery, and burglary combined.

• Wage theft is only a problem in the agriculture industry.

• Wage theft is less costly than auto theft, robbery, and burglary combined.

Why are day laborers particularly vulnerable to wage theft?

• They face language barriers and work in unregulated sectors.

• They are usually well-paid and have secure jobs.

• They often have strong legal protections.

• They have stable work conditions.

What tactic did Bernal's employer use to commit wage theft?

• Provided him with a bonus.

• Gave him a check with insufficient funds.

• Paid him more than promised.

• Paid him in advance.

What percentage of day laborers surveyed had experienced wage theft?

• 90%

• 25%

• 62%

• 10%

What is a major challenge for day laborers in pursuing wage theft claims?

• They have strong legal support.

• They have too much free time.

• They are overpaid.

• They fear retaliation and lack trust in the system.

How is the nature of work changing, contributing to wage theft?

• More jobs are becoming full-time with benefits.

• There is a rise in freelancing and independent contracting.

• Work conditions are becoming more stable.

• All jobs now offer high wages.

What should consumers consider when hiring services or dining out?

• Only the quality of the service.

• The location of the service.

• The price of the service.

• How workers are paid and treated.