OAKLAND, California, Aug. 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Labor Commissioner’s Office today launched an online system for reporting labor law violations. This new online reporting system is simple to use and enables the Labor Commissioner’s Office to receive real time leads on businesses that are breaking labor laws.
“Our online system makes it easier to report wage theft and other labor law violations,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “Wage theft and workplace abuse not only hurt workers, they also undermine the safety and stability of communities as they reduce revenues and create an uneven playing field for law-abiding employers.”
Anyone who has experienced wage theft, or has information on any business committing wage theft or any other labor law violation, is encouraged to use the new online application. Examples of wage theft and labor law violations include non-payment of overtime or minimum wages, failure to maintain workers’ compensation insurance or hiring minors for high-risk jobs.
The Labor Commissioner’s Office reviews and prioritizes the leads for potential investigation. If investigators find that an employer is violating labor laws, they issue citations including civil penalties and wages owed to the workers. Investigators also work with the employer to correct the problem and ensure they comply with applicable labor laws.
More information on wage theft and other labor law violations is also featured on the Wage Theft is a Crime website, launched in 2014 as part of a public awareness campaign to help inform workers of their rights and employers of their responsibilities.
DIR protects and improves the health, safety and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. Its Labor Commissioner’s Office, officially known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, enforces prevailing wage rates and apprenticeship standards in public works projects, inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, investigates retaliation complaints, issues licenses and registrations for businesses and educates the public on labor laws.
Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.
Members of the press may contact Paola Laverde or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.
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The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.
