Have you heard of wage theft as a health issue?

As we mark International Workers' Day today, we stand with workers who are fighting for the decent work conditions that we know protect and promote health. Recent reporting by the Workers’ Action Centre reveals a troubling and persistent reality of labour violations across Ontario: workers are not being paid what they are owed with harmful consequences for their health and wellbeing. 

This ground-breaking report documents rampant wage theft, where 60% of workers surveyed report that their employer stole their wages. Workers who experienced wage theft reported significant mental and physical health effects:

• 41% reported feeling depressed
• 34% reported having trouble sleeping
• Almost 40% said their mental health was negatively impacted 
• 8% said their physical health was negatively impacted 

Check out this video by DWHN member and family physician, Dr. Monika Dutt explaining why wage theft is a health issue:

Income is a key social determinant of health. When wages are stolen, workers are pushed deeper into poverty, worsening existing health inequities. 

When Premier Doug Ford came into power, his government cut funding for enforcement of employment standards so there are no real penalties to stop employers from breaking the law.

Over the last 10 years, $200 million was stolen from workers across Ontario and the Ministry of Labour did not recover $80 million of those wages for workers.

Stopping wage theft is an upstream public health intervention. 

We echo the Workers’ Action Centre call for: 

• The enforcement of the Employment Standards Act (ESA) through meaningful penalties for employers and increased capacity for enforcement. 
• Closing the gap in the law that allows wage theft to happen by implementing strategic workplace inspections, improving the collection of unpaid wages, and making the ESA complaint process more accessible. 
• The protection of workers who stand up for their rights - workers need the power and job protections to enforce their rights while they are on the job.

Take Action: 

• Share the evidence with your patients, clients, and colleagues. Check out our factsheet and the full wage theft report from the Workers’ Action Centre.

• Send an email to tell your local Member of Provincial Parliament that it’s time to stop wage theft NOW! 

Tell your MPP - It's Time to Stop Wage Theft 

Have any of your patients or clients experienced wage theft? Get in touch with us at [email protected]