Council Protects Columbus Workers Through Wage Theft Prevention
[COLUMBUS, OH] During the September 21, 2020 meeting, Council took a major step forward to prevent workers from losing take-home pay through wage theft, through the unanimous passage of 1802-2020.
"Equitable growth requires, above all, local commitment and enforcement of the rights and protections guaranteed by law for workers," said Councilmember Rob Dorans. "In order for Columbus to thrive, it must be a place where all who work here, regardless of zip code, gender, race, or sexual orientation, are able to take home their full wages."
Wage theft is endemic throughout the state of Ohio, and many in the community have been taken advantage of by employers that seek to cut corners to add a little more profit to their bottom line instead of following the law and supporting working families.
"This legislation does not create any new wage and hour laws," continued Dorans. "Rather, it takes firm stand that businesses that work for the City and on projects that receive the City's financial support must strictly follow state and federal wage and hour laws. The failure to do so will result in being barred from such contracts or projects for 3 years. This legislation is good for workers, it’s good for reputable employers, and it’s good for the City’s bottom line."
This ordinance was created through conversations with the Central Ohio Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Central Ohio Worker Center - Centro de Trabajadores de Central Ohio, Policy Matters Ohio, Build Central OH and its members, as well as the many private organizations and residents who contributed valuable feedback during the development of this legislation.
"The passage of this wage theft prevention legislation is a significant achievement for workers in all industries that do business with and within the City of Columbus, for working families, and our communities that will benefit from the income tax revenue previously withheld by unscrupulous members of Columbus' business community," said Dorans.