Associated Press |  A University of Illinois at Chicago study shows wage theft among low
income workers is widespread in Cook County, the nation’s second most populous
county. Wage theft has long been a problem. It means employers aren’t paying
minimum wage or overtime, among other things. Experts say illegal
immigrants, women and minorities are particularly susceptible.

The UIC survey studied more than 1,000 workers. It shows the county loses $7.3 million each week in numerous industries because of violations of minimum wage and overtime laws.

The report is called “Unregulated Work in Chicago.”

Researchers say wage theft affects at least 145,000 people in Cook County in industries like retail employees, child care and housekeeping.

Author Nik Theodore says workers often don’t report the violations because they fear retaliation.