DCBA’s Office of Labor Equity to Lead Expanded Efforts to Combat Wage Theft in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, May 6 – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has directed the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), through its Office of Labor Equity (OLE), to lead a coordinated countywide effort to fight against wage theft. The action follows a May 5 motion introduced by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

DCBA, which has advocated for workers in LA County since the department’s inception 50 years ago in 1976, welcomes the expanded responsibilities for OLE. DCBA has long stood on the front line of worker protection in LA County by enforcing new ordinances and helping shape policy that supports fair and equitable workplaces.

Now, following the Board’s proclamation of May 1 as International Workers’ Day in Los Angeles County, this motion, co-authored by Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, uplifts enforcement efforts and expands DCBA’s ability to recover unpaid wages and hold employers accountable through citations, strengthening DCBA’s ability to protect the workers most at risk.

The Board’s recommendations for fighting wage theft include:

Expanding collaboration, awareness, and enforcement strategies with partners including LA County Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Worker Health and Safety (OWHS), Chief Executive Office’s (CEO) Countywide Communications and Chief Information Office (CIO), County Counsel’s Affirmative Litigation and Consumer Protection Division (ALCP), the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), the Warehouse Workers Center, Los Angeles Worker Center Network, other worker centers, labor unions, and incorporated cities in LA County.

Expanding OLE’s authority to collect fines and fees for violations of state worker protections.

Prioritizing low-wage industries with high violations of wage theft.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who is the lead author on the motion, shared: “LA County has a responsibility to do all we can to ensure that every worker is paid what they are owed, this isn’t just the right thing to do it, it’s good for businesses and our local economy. Instead of waiting for workers who are already vulnerable to report wage theft, we’re taking a more proactive co-enforcement approach by partnering with trusted worker centers and community organizations to help with reporting. And we’re providing increased transparency with the launch of a public facing dashboard. This is about effectively using the tools and best practices at our disposal to enforce the laws that are already on the books.”

“Every worker in LA County is entitled to fair pay for their honest work,” said Rafael Carbajal, Director of DCBA. “Through this Board’s motion, our department’s Office of Labor Equity is primed to double down on our efforts to ensure that wage theft is no longer considered business as usual in LA County.”

OLE enforces several LA County’s worker protection ordinances, including:

The Minimum Wage Ordinance in Unincorporated LA County, which will increase to $18.47 an hour, on July 1, 2026, The new Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance & the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, The Fair Workweek Ordinance, The Public Health Retaliation Ordinance, and The LA County Fair Chance Ordinance.

To learn more about how DCBA’s Office of Labor Equity is helping workers every day, visit workers.lacounty.gov. If you believe you are not being paid the correct minimum wage or your employer is not following LA County worker protection laws, contact DCBA at 800-593-8222 or email wagehelp@dcba.lacounty.gov.

For 50 years, the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has worked to level the playing field for consumers, tenants, workers, and immigrant communities across LA County. Whether combating fraud, enforcing worker protections, expanding access to justice, or strengthening financial resilience, DCBA serves as a trusted voice and advocate for those who need it most. Learn more at dcba.lacounty.gov or call (800) 593-8222.