Many Bronx residents are underpaid and overworked, according to a study released Tuesday by the Brennan Center for Justice.
The three-year study found that the working poor are often subjected to conditions that violate the law. Those conditions include not being paid overtime, being paid less than minimum wage and working in hazardous conditions without proper safety equipment. The report covers the construction, restaurant, retail and security industries.
Researchers found workers who pressed the issue often faced retaliation. The Brennan Center for Justice also found immigrants, people transitioning off welfare and those with criminal convictions were most affected.
The group recommends the government strengthen its enforcement of labor laws and impose stricter penalties for violations.