Do not mess with me, I will investigate

Here's a funny thing about New York labor laws. They seem to be just a "suggestion." At least at the bar I work(ed) at.

At first, I was happy with the job. I got hired with absolutely no experience and was able to start immediately, making tips, without anyone directly supervising me all the time so I was able to make my own decisions and it was up to me how much I made in one night. Sounds good at first.

If I were anyone else, I probably would have remained ignorant of the strange (and lack of) management and would have kept working as they took advantage of my labor. But I'm Danielle Emig and no one messes with me or gives me less than I deserve.

Here's the facts about this so-called job:

• They've never taken any of my information. Never looked at my id. No social security number. I could be under 21 or an illegal immigrant for all they know. Or a criminal on the run with a different name.
• I'm not on the books. No taxes. No record of me working there.
• They pay me $30 every shift, no matter if it's a 5 hour shift or 11 hours. My first night (11 hours) calculates out to $2.73/hour. um, WHAT?
• I have a required uniform. They require me to purchase it. I'm also required to purchase a $40 headset that goes with the radios. There's a sign that says "If you do not have a headset, you will be fired." Well guess what, I refuse to pay $40 for a headset. If it's required, you should give it to me for free.
• Oh and then after getting part of the uniform and getting my schedule approved at my other job to work with the bar, I wasn't scheduled at all this week.

New York labor laws:

• Employers can pay less than minimum wage if the job includes tips, but the minimum is $5/hour. I'm obviously not making that.
• If a uniform is required that is not part of everyday wardrobe, then it needs to be provided free. If the employer does charge, it shouldn't reduce the worker's pay to below minimum wage. 
• Even if an employee works off the books, there still needs to be signed papers about what the employee is being paid and they need to be checked as a US citizen.

I'm not okay with a place that gets away with not following labor laws. I'm obviously not too familiar with New York or labor laws so I plan to find people to talk to and see if there are other places like this. This is my investigative journalist coming out in me. Does anyone check these places to make sure they're following the laws? How do they report taxes? Why are others okay with working like this?

Stay tuned.