Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Gary Kelsey

Abstract

Many low-income workers are vulnerable to becoming victims of wage theft. Studies have shown that even when these workers know their rights, they still face certain obstacles should they complain or report such theft. Extensive research has been conducted at the federal level to establish the impact and consequences of wage theft, but few researchers have examined wage theft at the state and local level in states such as Florida. The experiences and perceptions of low-income worker participants in Southeast Florida were investigated in this phenomenological study, and rational choice theory was the conceptual framework used to investigate this phenomenon. Data were collected from 17 wage theft victim participants using 12 semistructured interview questions along with follow-up questions. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, and the results generated five themes: types of wage theft occurrences; weighing the cost, consequences, and benefits of reporting; encountering barriers; enduring economic hardship; and health impacts. The findings of this study suggested that wage theft severely impacted the low-income worker participants, and these victims faced multiple barriers to reporting their claims and complaints. They instead felt that it was more beneficial to keep their jobs than to file a complaint or report their wage theft claims. This study has implications for positive social and policy change for policymakers, community leaders, advocates, and low-income workers who are considering asserting their wage and hour rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Recommendations include the establishment of coenforcement and supportive community initiatives to assist low-income workers affected by wage theft.

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