© 2024
Virginia's Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Effort to Address Wage Theft Gets Bipartisan Support

Republicans and Democrats are striking a deal to crack down on wage theft.

For low-wage workers in Virginia who get stiffed by their employers, it’s tough to find a lawyer. That’s because Virginia law puts a strict limit on punitive damages — in other words the incentive money to attract a lawyer.

Now Democratic Delegate Paul Krizek of Fairfax County has struck a bipartisan deal to help victims of wage theft. “It’s going to help people because now if you are a worker and you have not been paid your wages you can go out there and get an attorney who will take your case and fight for you in court,” Krizek said.

Krizek worked with freshman Republican Delegate Ronnie Campbell of Southwest Virginia on the bill. Krizek and Campbell wanted victims of wage theft to receive triple damages. But during a subcommittee hearing they struck a deal to get double damages. “We had triple damages in the section, but I’m comfortable to get this bill passed out," Campbell said. "Double punitive? That’s good. That’s a good bill. I’m happy.”

That key change to the bill allowed it to get through subcommittee with only one no vote. That’s a good sign the bill will be on its way to the House floor in the next few days.

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.

Michael Pope is an author and journalist who lives in Old Town Alexandria.
Related Content