San Diego City Wire

San Diego County officials, along with state and labor leaders, gathered to address the issue of wage theft during a breakfast event at the Employee Rights Center. This gathering was part of a Week of Action honoring labor rights activist César Chávez.

County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer highlighted the financial struggles faced by workers due to wage theft. "It’s not just unfair and it’s not just indecent," said Lawson-Remer. "It makes it harder for workers to take care of their families, it makes it harder for honest employees to compete, and it’s illegal."

The Workers’ Rights Enforcement Program is one initiative aimed at prosecuting employers involved in unlawful labor practices. Branden Butler, Director of County Ethics, Compliance and Labor Standards, stated that since August, over 400 inquiries related to wage theft have been handled. "Our office is currently investigating 40 cases with the goal of recovering unpaid wages," he added.

Efforts such as the Good Faith Restaurant Program have recovered over $106,000 in lost wages for restaurant workers. The Workplace Justice Fund provided financial relief totaling $100,000 last year and aims to assist more individuals this year.

District Attorney Summer Stephan emphasized ongoing efforts against wage theft: “We continue to file case after case...recovering thousands of dollars to employees who need that money.”

State Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower reinforced California's strong labor laws: “A person labors, and they are to labor under certain conditions...we have an obligation to hold them accountable.”

The County collaborates with the State Department of Industrial Relations and the Employee Rights Center. Alor Calderón from the Employee Rights Center stressed community support: “It’s the most important thing that we can do...community and the legacy of César Chávez is our main message this week.”

For more information on workers' rights or filing complaints about wage theft, individuals can visit the Office of Ethics, Compliance and Labor Standards website or contact them directly.