Via Shutterstock

Councilmember Vincent Orange (D-At Large) is set to host a public hearing on a proposed bill to prevent wage theft, but before that gets underway supporters of the bill will host a rally.

The bill, titled the “Wage Theft Prevention Act of 2014,” proposes an amendment to the “Wage Payment and Collections Act” and the “Minimum Wage Revision Act,” which would “strengthen applicable remedies, fines, and administrative penalties” for an employer who doesn’t pay their employees their properly earned wages, a release states. The bill would also enforce a suspension of business license for employers who don’t pay earned wages to employees.

Before tomorrow’s public hearing, which is scheduled for 9:00 a.m., victims of wage theft are expected to gather for a rally organized by the Employment Justice Center on the steps of the Wilson Building at 8:30 a.m. Employees of various restaurants in the Reagan Building and Union station are scheduled to speak at the rally.

Last June, employees from various restaurants at the Reagan Building filed a complaint with the Department of Labor alleging that they were never paid for overtime beyond 40 hours a week, even though some would often work 60, 70, or 80-hour weeks. Some victims also alleged that they were being paid less than the D.C. minimum wage of $8.25 or the federal minimum wage of $7.25.

The victims of wage theft speaking at the rally are also expected to testify during the public hearing.