Employees of car washes across the nation have been taken advantage of, earning wages that fall far below the minimum pay rate guaranteed in the U.S., according to Truthout. The workers at these service centers are primarily immigrants who have nicknamed themselves "carwasheros."
Depriving car wash employees of a clear time and attendance policy and violating workers' minimum wage and overtime pay rights is hardly a new practice. In 2005, John Lage, one of New York City's biggest car wash operators, was sued by the U.S. Department of Labor for employee tracking infractions. Workers began protesting against Lage on July 13, 2013, citing insufficient salary, unstable scheduling and lack of appropriate gear needed to protect them while working with chemicals.
Wage abuse has been found in car washes across the country. In partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago, the community-based organization ARISE surveyed approximately 200 car wash workers employed at 74 city car washes in 2012. The results showed illegal pay structures including a flat rate regardless of hours worked, working for tips alone or hourly wages of $1 to $5 plus tips. The study found that no one received overtime pay. Workers are now organizing with ARISE to form a collective that can bargain with employers for fair wages.
These studies indicate the necessity for employers to implement time and attendance policies that are compliant with federal regulations.
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