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California attorney general and feds sign deal to combat wage theft

July 29, 2015

A memorandum of understanding to combat wage theft was signed this week by California Attorney General Kamala Harris and the US Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.

Wage theft includes violations of minimum wage and overtime laws as well as employee misclassification, according to the agencies.

“Wage theft is a crime that hurts our economy and robs hard working Californians of their livelihoods,” Harris said. “This agreement allows our agencies to better investigate and prosecute those who exploit workers and deny them the pay and benefits they deserve.”

Industries most affected by wage theft include restaurants, janitorial work, the garment industry, retail, construction and car washes.

“As host to one of the largest underground economies and immigrant populations in the United States, it makes sense that we begin our quest to combat wage theft,” said Ruben Rosalez, regional administrator for the western region for the Department of Labor. “This partnership with the State AG’s office is long overdue.”