Advocates urge proactive wage-theft enforcement and better language access from Department of Employment Services

Advocates at a Feb. 5 Committee on Executive Administration and Labor oversight hearing urged the District’s Department of Employment Services to move from a reactive posture to proactive enforcement of wage‑theft laws, and to expand language access and outreach to immigrant workers.

The testimony centered on how fear of immigration enforcement discourages undocumented workers from reporting stolen wages and how that dynamic enables some employers to underpay staff. Alex Samuels of DC Jobs with Justice told the committee that the recent end of a federal program he identified as Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement ‘‘has helped create a culture of silence’’ and that direct agency action is needed: ‘‘No one should have to decide whether they’re willing to risk deportation to report that their employer is stealing…