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Council refers wage‑theft ordinance changes to ordinance committee after labor testimony
Summary
Labor representatives urged the council to implement and enforce the city's wage‑theft ordinance; the council referred technical amendments recommended by the city manager and solicitor to the ordinance committee for rapid action.
Union leaders and construction representatives testified at public comment that enforcement of Cambridge’s wage‑theft ordinance is overdue and would protect workers from misclassification and unpaid wages. Councilor Sabrina Wheeler, who pulled the item, asked that the ordinance co‑chairs convene the ordinance committee to make technical changes recommended by staff so enforcement can begin.
City staff acknowledged the ordinance needs minor revisions to align with state and federal law and recommended referral to the ordinance committee; the council voted to refer the proposed changes for committee consideration. Labor’s letter, entered into the record and read aloud, requested prompt committee action so the ordinance can be enforced rather than remaining a paper protection.
Councilors requested that labor representatives be included in committee discussions so the final language protects workers while meeting legal constraints.
