Miami-Dade County passes wage theft ordinance

South Florida Interfaith Worker Justice (SFIWJ) and South Florida Wage Theft Task Force scored a victory last week when the Miami-Dade County Commission passed, 10-0, an ordinance prohibiting wage theft. This measure, sponsored by Commissioner Natacha Seijas, establishes a process by which workers can file complaints and employers who steal from workers will be fined. SFIWJ wrote to its base, "And now, the real work begins. We go out to the streets and we talk to workers. We visit congregations. We educate. We involve our community in a county-wide effort to implement this historic piece of legislation. The message is clear -- thou shalt not steal. Not in our community. Not anywhere." If the law is properly enforced and the word is effectively spread to workers, this ordinance will be a greatly needed boost for Miami-Dade families and the local economy.