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Wage and hour violations in urban labour markets: a comparison of L os A ngeles, N ew Y ork and C hicago
Author(s) -
Milkman Ruth,
González Ana Luz,
Ikeler Peter
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
industrial relations journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.525
H-Index - 3
eISSN - 1468-2338
pISSN - 0019-8692
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-2338.2012.00694.x
Subject(s) - enforcement , labour economics , wage , immigration , business , demographic economics , population , economics , law , political science , demography , sociology
This article compares violations of minimum wage laws and other labour standards in N ew Y ork C ity, L os A ngeles and C hicago. L os A ngeles has the highest violation rates, due to such factors as its industrial composition and disproportionately large number of small establishments, as well as its vast unauthorised immigrant population. In addition, L os A ngeles’ higher rates reflect the stricter legal standards in C alifornia. We conclude that, although stronger workplace laws and regulations are crucial, in the absence of effective enforcement, they may fail to prevent workplace violations.