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Steven Mitchell
Sack

The Employee’s Lawyer®

Welcome to The Law Offices of Steven Mitchell Sack

Enforcing the workplace rights of thousands of employees, executives and sales reps for more than 44 years.

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Protecting Yourself Against Wage Theft

Wage theft is one of the most serious financial issues facing workers across America today, and can cost victims thousands of dollars per year. In New York alone, it is estimated that wage theft costs workers approximately $3 billion per year in lost income. But what exactly is wage theft, and how can you protect yourself against it?

What is Wage Theft?

“Wage theft” is the broad term for any type of practice by an employer where they fail to pay an employee what they are legally owed by the terms of their employment. This can come about as a result of negligent business practices that fail to ensure employees are given appropriate compensation, or it can be a result of deliberate efforts to deny employees the wages they have rightfully earned. Although it is not technically a type of “theft” in the sense of being a crime, it is still a violation of wage and hour laws, such as the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

What Does It Look Like?

This can take many possible forms. Some of the most common offenses seen in wage and hour cases include:

  • Failure to pay overtime, or not paying enough for overtime
  • Failing to pay minimum wage
  • Forcing employees to work off the clock
  • Taking illegal deductions from pay or benefits
  • Refusing to allow employees to take breaks
  • Failing to compensate employees for work-related expenses
  • Stealing tips, or engaging in illegal tip sharing
  • Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
  • Failing to pay a final paycheck after quitting or being terminated
  • Retaliating against employees who report wage theft

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Wage Theft?

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against wage theft is to know your rights, and to recognize when you have been unfairly denied your wages. You should also make sure to hold onto any communications between you and your employer, including forwarding any emails outside of your organization so you can retain access to them. That way, they cannot easily conceal evidence that they have denied you your compensation.

What Should You Do if You Are the Victim of Wage Theft?

If you suspect that you or another worker has been the victim of wage theft, you should promptly file a complaint with your state’s Department of Labor. You should also make sure to consult with a lawyer with experience handling employment law issues. They can assist you in determining the best course of action for you, and help you to enforce your legal rights.

Steven Mitchell Sack, the Employee’s Lawyer, is a New York employment lawyer with more than 42 years’ experience handling the many aspects of employment law. His new book, “Fired!: Protect Your Rights & FIGHT BACK If You’re Terminated, Laid Off, Downsized, Restructured, Forced to Resign or Quit,” is available in hardback, and contains valuable advice on dealing with employment and labor law issues. To purchase the book, feel free to contact Steven Sack at 917-371-8000 or visit the website at legalstratpub.com. To inquire about a legal matter, please feel free to contact attorney Steven Sack at 917-371-8000 or stevensackatty@hotmail.com.

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    Our Reviews and Client Feedback

    I dealt with steven as an adversary. I found him to be one of the most respectful,, knowledgeable, and effective attorneys i have encountered in my 40 years of practicing law.
    Steven isn't just a great lawyer, he is a great person. He was always available to take my calls, and to give good advice. I would highly recommend him.
    "I am an attorney, and I can say that Mr sack did an outstanding job in negotiating a severance agreement. He picked up the phone and made a call, something simple, timely and effective that no other attorney would do. Mr. Sack was effective, to the point, he always followed up, and he got me a better result than any other attorney would have.

    He exceeded expectations, and I am very grateful that I hired him.

    I would recommend him to any employee involved in a sensitive situation where diplomatic negotiation and communication is needed. He kept me very well informed about the progress of my case and obtained a very satisfactory negotiated formal written severance agreement, which is one of his specialties."
    Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your review. Please keep us in mind if you ever have any other employment law matters you need assistance with.
    The best contract lawyer out there. Responsive compassionate and got results results fast. Unbelievable contract lawyer best in NYC.
    Response from the owner:Thanks for your review. Please feel free to call back if you ever have any need of representation in any future employment law matters.
    I had the pleasure of working with Steven on my separation agreement, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his expertise and dedication. From the very beginning, he provided clear, strategic guidance, ensuring that my rights were fully protected. He took the time to answer all my questions, kept me informed at every step, and negotiated effectively on my behalf. His attention to detail and deep understanding of employment law helped me secure an exceptional outcome. I highly recommend Steven!
    Response from the owner:Thank you for your review. We are glad you were satisfied with your representation, and hope you contact us if you ever have need of representation again.
    I had a great experience working with Steven Sack recently relating to a recent job separation from my former employer. He is straight to the point, very knowledgeable, and easy to work with. I absolutely recommend his services to anyone that needs an employment attorney.
    Response from the owner:Thanks for your review. If you ever need any future counsel on employment law matters, please feel free to contact us again.
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