Program Boosts Support for Prosecutors Combating Wage Theft and Labor Abuses
May 02, 2025 | MedLegalNews.com – SACRAMENTO — California Expands Workers’ Rights: The California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) has launched the second year of its Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grant Program, a statewide initiative that provides funding to public prosecutors to fight wage theft and hold lawbreaking employers accountable.
In this new funding cycle, the program will distribute up to $8.55 million in competitive grants. Eligible recipients include public prosecutors with existing workers’ rights enforcement programs. The goal is to increase civil and criminal enforcement against wage theft, misclassification, unfair competition, and retaliatory labor practices.
“No Employer Is Above the Law”
“As we enter the second year of this grant program, we’re doubling down with local prosecutors to hold labor law violators accountable through criminal and civil prosecutions,” said California Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower. “This partnership is about sending a clear message: no employer is above the law, and we will pursue justice for every worker.”
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan praised the program’s impact, stating, “The grant helped our county partners take a collaborative approach, enhancing prosecution efforts and securing restitution for victims. It has protected our workforce and ensured law-abiding businesses aren’t undercut by those who cheat the system.”
Program Background and Goals
Launched in 2023 with $18 million in two-year funding, the Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grant enables local prosecutors to pursue cases involving wage theft, illegal business operations, and labor trafficking. While the LCO can issue citations and penalties, the program strengthens enforcement by empowering prosecutors to take legal action in their own jurisdictions—expanding the program’s reach and effectiveness. California Expands Workers’ Rights
Key Details – Year Two
- Total Available Funding: $8,550,000
- Maximum Award per Prosecutor: $750,000
- Eligible Applicants:
- District Attorneys
- City Attorneys
- County Counsels
- Local prosecutors with workers’ rights enforcement divisions
- Allowable Uses:
- Staff salaries and benefits for enforcement
- Up to 5% for required audits
Application Timeline
- Opens: May 1, 2025
- Closes: June 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
- Award Announcement: July 1, 2025
- Funding Period: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026
Prosecutors can find the application and additional resources at the Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grant page. Questions may be directed to WageTheftGrant@dir.ca.gov.
Applicants are also encouraged to review materials from the February 2024 virtual information session, which remain available online.
📢 Stay Informed on California Labor Enforcement
For the latest updates on workplace protections, fraud enforcement, and labor law developments, visit MedLegalNews.com.
📰 Read More from MedLegalNews.com:
- Construction Company Cited $157,500 After Fatal Trench Collapse
- Support Fire Recovery Efforts: California Invests $25 Million
- California Lawmakers Demand Answers Over $3.44 Billion Medi-Cal Loan
- California Attorney General Bonta Reaches $1.3 Million Settlement in Fake Health Insurance Case
- DAS Appoints Orrian Willis to Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship
- CA Insurance Commissioner Reappoints Two to WCIRB Governing Committee