S4611

The New York State Senate passed the Wage Theft Attachment Act on a 39-22 vote, with the bill sponsored by Sen. Ramos aimed at combating widespread wage theft affecting New York workers. The legislation addresses what Ramos characterized as a systemic problem in which employers exploit workers—particularly immigrants—through wage violations while evading payment obligations through bankruptcy, asset transfers, or business closures. Ramos cited the case of Sandra Mejia, an Upper West Side laundry worker whose employer withheld minimum wage and overtime compensation while requiring her to purchase her own protective equipment during the pandemic. According to Ramos, New York workers lose at least $3 billion annually to wage theft across industries including restaurants, nail salons, construction, and home care. The bill provides workers with enhanced tools to collect owed wages despite employer evasion tactics. The measure takes effect 30 days after becoming law.