Protections for Workers Help Small Businesses Compete, MSA Small Business Member Testifies

WASHINGTON, D.C. - With the introduction of the Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act, Main Street Alliance Member and Small Business Owner Daniel Swenson-Klatt testified before the House Committee on Education & Labor today. He highlighted the commonsense nature of worker protections and the power of these standards to level the playing field for small businesses that have to compete with corporations for talent.

“The process of hiring staff, setting up payroll, and retaining staff through fair labor practices is not just fundamental for business owners like me, it's the reason we continue to exist,” said Daniel Swenson-Klatt, owner of Butter Bakery Cafe in his hearing testimony. “The benefits of providing clear rules and policies far outweigh the effort to create them. With technical assistance available in so many forms and willing mentors in all industries, it is a business owner's choice to not play fair.” 

Dan argues that wage protections under the FLSA is good for the community and business, and providing things like regular pay stubs and earning statements are not overly burdensome for responsible employers. Other witnesses included a wage theft litigator and a worker victim of wage theft.

“I don't think it's ridiculous at all to take on bad actors and let them know this is not the way to play business,” said Swenson-Klatt. 

 Swenson-Klatt’s testimony comes as labor shortages continue to challenge small businesses across the country.