Anti-Wage Theft Ordinance Moves Toward Council Vote

The New Brunswick City Council this week unanimously approved a first reading of an ordinance that would penalize wage theft in New Brunswick. 

Representatives from New Labor and Unity Square have been advising the council on a possible ordinance as of late. On Nov. 20, council president Rebecca Escobar said the city went ahead and drafted an ordinance, but it had to be reworked as it contained penalties that were not permitted by state law. 

At the Dec. 4 council meeting, a first reading of the reworked ordinance was introduced. It contains wordage that would penalize New Brunswick businesses engaging in wage theft by denying renewals of their business licenses. 

A public hearing and vote on whether to approve the ordinance is scheduled for the 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 council meeting. 

On Nov. 20, the council passed a resolution addressing wage theft rules and regulations statewide.