Thousands of New Yorkers, cheated out of money in the Hudson Valley and the rest of the state, are getting the money they deserve. Could you be one?

On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that $14.8 million has been returned to 21,271 victims of wage theft across the state over the past six months. The wage recoveries are a result of the Governor's efforts to root out worker exploitation in multiple industries across New York State.

"This administration has zero tolerance for those who cheat their workers out of what they're rightfully owed," Cuomo said. "We will continue to combat worker exploitation in all of its forms in order to help ensure no New Yorker is denied a decent day's pay for a decent day's work."

Locally, $1,043,000 was returned to 1,403 Hudson Valley workers who were victims of wage theft over the first six months of this year.

Some of the most common ways employers steal wages include:

  • Paying tips only
  • Paying a day rate for work performed that is sub-minimum wage when hours worked are counted
  • Not paying an overtime rate for hours worked over 40 in a payroll week
  • Not paying for travel time between work assignments in the same day
  • Withholding final paychecks
  • Not paying for "training" time; and
  • Charging employees for required uniforms or equipment.

According to the Governor’s office, since Cuomo took office, the state has recovered and returned more than $150 million to workers, the highest total in the nation.

If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of wage theft call 1-888-4-NYSDOL.

Paul Teutul Sr. and Orange County Choppers honors police departments, fire departments and more.

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