As Thanksgiving approaches, people across the country are coming together to remember those who are struggling to put food on the table because they are victims of a crime wave that few people even talk about.  Today, Nov. 18, is a National Day of Action Against Wage Theft to call attention to the widespread injustices faced by vulnerable workers. It is a timely opportunity to understand the severity of the problem and its pernicious effects, and to come together to work for solutions.

As the economy has soured, more employers appear to be skirting basic workplace protections, including the right to the minimum wage and overtime pay. A recent study of low-wage workers in three major cities found that more than one-quarter of workers surveyed were paid less than the minimum wage in the preceding week, and more than three-quarters were not properly paid overtime. The study also found that these workers lose $56.4 million per week in wage violations.

These violations are not confined to traditional sweatshop industries like big apparel, but are increasingly found in other low-wage, service sector jobs such as hospitality and restaurant services, delivery services, grocery stores, car washes, and retail services. Employees of large businesses aren’t immune from this crime. Staples and Walmart were recently required to pay $42 million and $35 million, respectively, in unpaid wages. (click on link to read full story)