Legislature approves bill to boost penalties for withholding wages

A bill that would set criminal penalties for withholding an employee's final wages has been approved by the Legislature. AB2187, by Assemblyman Juan Arambula, I-Fresno, passed the Senate on a 21-14 vote. For withholding final wages longer than 90 days after they're due, an employer could incur a fine of up to $10,000 and jail time of up to six months. The employer would also be responsible for the expense of a successful prosecution. Opponents say the bill would make criminals of employers who have legitimate disputes over wage claims, which could take longer to resolve than the 90 days that would trigger penalties. <more> Sept. 2, 2010 Capital Press