The New York City Comptroller’s Office returned up to $ 7.5 million in stolen wages from more than 400 construction workers during the pandemic. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Labor Rights Week, held every year in collaboration with the Consulate of Mexico.
Wages were recovered through the Labor Law Office, which enforces current wage and benefit rates for construction workers and building services employed by contractors on City Government public works projects.
When companies that receive public contracts do not pay adequate wages and benefits, the Comptroller’s Office enforces the law to recover the money owed and deliver it directly to the scammed workers.
But the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the Comptroller’s Office to change its outreach efforts, due to health restrictions, so it launched a phone campaign in April to search for affected workers and return unclaimed wages. Since March 2020, the Comptroller’s Office has returned nearly $ 7.5 million to more than 400 workers.
“During the economic hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that workers receive the wages they are owed,” said Comptroller Scott Stringer.
“I am proud that my office, in partnership with labor and community organizations, has connected more than 400 workers with $ 7.5 million in stolen wages. I always say that every week should be Labor Rights Week, because workers are more empowered when they know their rights and can stand up for what they deserve, “he added.
The Consulate of Mexico in New York organizes the Labor Rights Week every year just before Labor Day. This year’s Labor Rights Week will be a virtual event and will run from August 30 to September 5.
Every two years a memorandum of understanding is signed in commitment to the partnership between the Comptroller’s Office and the Consulate of Mexico to promote labor rights and advocate for workers. The Mexican consulate has similar memorandums of understanding with the state of New York and the United States departments of labor.
The Comptroller’s Office of Labor Law will participate in the events and virtual workshops Know your Rights throughout the city during Labor Rights Week. For more information open here.
Look for your name on the Comptroller’s website if you think you are part of the money recovered by the agency: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/nyc-wage-standards/unclaimed-nyc-wage-wage-awards/
In general, the Controller sends letters to workers who are owed a refund, in addition to its staff making calls to inform them of their right to payment; however, it is common for benefited workers to not receive the money they deserve, believing that the Comptroller’s outreach efforts are part of a scam.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE LETTER I RECEIVED WAS ACTUALLY ISSUED BY THE COMPTROLLER?
The letters that the Comptroller’s Office sends to the workers, many of them immigrants, are stamped with the Comptroller’s seal.
Workers often do not respond to notices because they fear it is an immigration scam, so the comptroller leads a campaign through the press to provide peace of mind to workers.
This is an example of the letter issued by the Comptroller’s Office.
HOW DO I CLAIM THE REFUND I DESERVE?
1. Along with the letter, the benefited workers will receive a proof of payment form that they must fill out and notarize before sending.
Workers should keep copies of each document.
Click here to download and print the form.
2. It is necessary to attach copies of documents received by the employer, such as proof of payments or W-2.
3. If you have questions, you can call the comptroller’s labor law line at 212-669-4443 or send an email to [email protected].
Another option is to enter your name on the comptroller’s website and confirm the county where you live.
Click here to start the search: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/nyc-wage-standards/unclaimed-nyc-wage-wage-awards/
The comptroller recalled that there are also New Jersey resident workers who can receive reimbursements.
IMPORTANT: The Comptroller’s Office does not share information with immigration authorities and does not ask about the immigration status of workers. All claims are made confidentially.
WHERE ELSE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
The Coalition of the Latin American Consulate in New York and the organizations Asian Americans for Equality, Make the Road New York, New York Immigration Coalition and Alliance of South Asian American Labor they collaborate with the Comptroller’s Office.
You can go to your consulate or call community organizations for help.
– .
