STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Make the Road New York will host an International Workers Day rally in Port Richmond on Sunday to highlight the Wage Theft Prevention Act, a state law that raises the penalties and repercussions for employers who steal wages.

Organizers will meet at the Port Richmond office, at 479 Port Richmond Ave.; beginning at 1 p.m., they will rally in front of a restaurant on the corner of Port Richmond and Forest avenues.

Make the Road New York is a non-profit organization that works to improve job opportunities for low-income New Yorkers. Amending the New York Labor Law, the Wage Theft Prevention Act, which was written by the organization and went into effect April 9, ensures that owners and managers do not sacrifice their workers’ wages for the sake of their businesses. Workers must be paid at least minimum wage and compensated for overtime work.

“Employers used to be able to steal wages as a business strategy because the system was tipped in their favor,” said Daniel Coates, the lead organizer of the Make the Road New York of Staten Island. “The Wage Theft Prevention Act changed that. It puts real power back in the hands of workers in their struggle to earn a living and provide for their families.”

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