If someone is required to work against their will, they are subject to forced labor. This is a serious problem that no one should face. An attorney can give you insights into this type of labor and provide tips and recommendations on how to deal with this issue.
Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire is a San Diego law firm that you can count on in your darkest hour. Since 1978, we have helped our clients recover over $2 billion in damages. Call us at (619) 236-9363 or contact us online to schedule a free case consultation with our team.
Forced Labor Meaning
In terms of what the meaning of forced labor is, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defines it as labor that occurs due to force, coercion, or fraud. This form of labor is a crime that affects millions of victims globally. In many cases, victims do not speak up about the issue, even though the problem may have long-lasting ramifications.
Perpetrators may target people of varying ages, genders, and religious affiliations. DHS points out that those who are forcing labor do not discriminate. They may focus on children, people in debt, and other vulnerable populations over others.
If you are the victim of a labor problem, you may be able to take legal action against the party responsible for it. The team at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire has more than 45 years of legal experience. We can review your case and help you with your labor trafficking litigation experience.
Who Is Most Likely to Be Forced into Labor?
In the United States, immigrants may face severe labor. Many cannot speak English and do not know their legal rights. Thus, someone may mislead them about an employment or living situation, and they may become forced into working in harsh conditions.
Human traffickers may exploit the U.S. foster care system. Children in this system may receive very little support and have no idea of where to go for help. As such, they may be forced into difficult labor situations without their consent.
There are scenarios where seemingly legitimate businesses play a role in human trafficking. For instance, in February 2023, San Diego law enforcement agencies arrested 48 people involved in a human trafficking operation involving young girls. The perpetrators may be subject to civil claims from these girls and other victims of their actions.
Examples of Forced Labor
To better understand what is forced labor, let’s examine what it looks like in the real world.
In one report, researchers estimated that 17.3 million people were forced into labor in the private sector in a given year. Industries where individuals may be forced to work include:
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
Along with these, there are times when people are coerced into committing sex acts. For example, at one point, Facebook messages showed that a man forced girls into prostitution. The perpetrator forced these girls to have sex for money and was arrested.
At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we proudly support lawmakers in California who are leading the way in combating human trafficking. We provide our clients with access to a wide range of legal resources, knowledge, and capabilities. If your employer is harming you, we want to do everything we can to help make your life better.
How Forced Labor Looks
Due to forcible labor, you may face threats or violence. To keep you working, your perpetrator may do everything within their power to control you. If you do not submit, you or members of your family may get hurt.
There are indicators of forced labor that may be tough to detect. These may be subtle but impactful. They may include:
- Debt Bondage: You may be charged high fees when you start working for a company, forcing you into a massive amount of debt.
- Deception: In the hopes of deceiving you, an employer may choose not to provide you with information about your legal rights, so you will work for a long period of time without taking breaks.
- Isolation: To force you to work, an employer may require you to live by yourself or subject you to poor living conditions.
- Withholding of Wages: An employer may establish extreme criteria for withholding your wages, making it nearly impossible to meet them and earn money.
Your strength and courage can drive change, and by speaking out, we can hold those responsible accountable and ensure they face the consequences for their actions.
Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire provides quality, straightforward legal guidance. For those dealing with labor issues, we are here to help you out. Reach out to us online or call (619) 236-9363 so we can review your case, and help you decide what to do next to address these problems.
How to Spot Forced Labor
Unfortunately, there is no single sign of coerced labor. There may be multiple signs that indicate an individual is being exploited at work. To understand these signs, consider what may happen when you start a new job.
An employer may expect significant deductions from your pay. If you cannot repay these debts, your employer may withhold some or most of your wages. Over time, you may fall deep into debt at work, to the point where you are forced to work long hours to get it paid off.
You may feel like your employer constantly monitors you when you interact or engage with your peers at work. You may also have to work in dangerous conditions or deal with inhumane lodging from your employer. In either of these scenarios and many others, you may be the victim of labor that is forced.
Labor trafficking is dangerous, and it can affect your physical and mental well-being. If left unaddressed, the problem is unlikely to disappear. Fortunately, you can pursue help, and doing so may benefit you now and in the future.
There is no need to try to resolve a labor issue on your own. At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, our team may teach you how to spot the signs of human trafficking at a hotel and other work venues. With our guidance, you may be able to file a claim against the party who is hurting you.
How to Deal with Labor Trafficking
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) offers a remediation guide to help those dealing with this issue and to prevent it from happening. This guide is a valuable resource since it provides recommendations to help you address labor that is forced before things escalate. It also offers insights into how to deal with common labor situations.
At the first sign of labor that is forced, call the police or 911 to let them know about the issue. They may ask you questions and learn as much as they can about the problem. Next, they can figure out the best way to protect you moving forward.
You may also want to connect with a law firm committed to making lives better so you can discuss the harm you have incurred with an attorney. With help from a lawyer, you can determine if you have a legitimate claim for damages. If so, your attorney may help you pursue compensation from any at-fault parties.
Why Hire Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire
You should not expect someone who is forcing you to work beyond your means to stop hurting you. To resolve this situation, you may have to get help from the police. On top of that, you may want to work with an attorney who puts your best interests front and center.
The team at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire has built a winning tradition, which is reflected in our approach to civil litigation. Over the past four decades, we have helped our clients achieve outstanding case results. We protect our clients' legal rights, helping them build a strong financial foundation for the future.
If you are struggling with being forced into labor and are unsure about what to do next, we may be able to assist you. By meeting with our team, you can discuss your case with us, and we can explain what legal options you can pursue. To get started, contact us today online or call (619) 236-9363.