California Awards 17 Prosecutors $8.55 Million to Prosecute Wage Theft
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) completed the first cycle of funding for the Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grant Program, which provides opportunities for public prosecutors in California to develop and implement wage theft enforcement programs in their regions.
WHY IT MATTERS: This funding creates opportunities for public prosecutors in California to prosecute wage theft and deter employers from engaging in unlawful labor law practices in the workplace. The grants will enable prosecutors to address wage theft cases in their jurisdictions and provide resources so they can address exploitative labor industry trends, barriers workers confront in reporting violations and obstacles to holding perpetrators accountable within their respective communities.
What Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower said: “Wage theft is a persistent problem, and this funding helps address it in local communities across our state. The 17 applications we received demonstrate prosecutors’ commitment to curtail and eradicate this abusive behavior. We look forward to continuing our work with public prosecutors, community organizations and industry leaders to eliminate this serious and costly crime.”
The 17 public prosecutors who applied for the grant will receive awards as detailed below:
| Public Prosecutor | Award |
|---|---|
| Alameda District Attorney | $335,935 |
| Contra Costa District Attorney | $720,000 |
| Fresno City Attorney | $720,000 |
| Long Beach City Prosecutor | $414,392 |
| Los Angeles City Attorney | $317,543 |
| Los Angeles County Counsel | $475,000 |
| Los Angeles District Attorney | $733,351 |
| Napa District Attorney | $102,531 |
| Oakland City Attorney | $425,655 |
| Orange County District Attorney | $750,000 |
| San Diego City Attorney | $669,251 |
| San Diego District Attorney | $750,000 |
| San Francisco City Attorney | $410,000 |
| San Francisco District Attorney | $160,451 |
| San Mateo District Attorney | $739,396 |
| Santa Clara County Counsel | $679,220 |
| Sonoma District Attorney | $147,275 |
The Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (California Labor Commissioner’s Office) combats wage theft and unfair competition by investigating allegations of illegal and unfair business practices.
The Labor Commissioner’s Office in 2020 launched an interdisciplinary outreach campaign, “Reaching Every Californian.” The campaign amplifies basic protections and builds pathways to affected populations, so workers and employers understand legal protections and obligations, as well as the Labor Commissioner’s enforcement procedures. Californians can follow the Labor Commissioner on Facebook and X (Twitter).
Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161