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NEWS RELEASE
Release Number: 2025-46
Date: May 2, 2025

California Labor Commissioner’s Office announces second year of Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grant program

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

This week, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) launched the second year of the Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grant Program, a statewide initiative that provides funding to public prosecutors to combat wage theft, strengthen enforcement of labor laws, and end exploitative workplace practices across California.

In year two, the program will award up to $8.55 million in competitive grants to eligible public prosecutors with established workers’ rights enforcement programs. The goal is to increase legal enforcement action against wage theft and worker misclassification, prevent unfair competition and eliminate retaliatory and predatory workplace practices.

What California Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower said: “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. This partnership is about sending a clear message: no employer is above the law, and we will pursue justice for every worker.” 

“The Workers’ Rights Enforcement grant program from the California Labor Commissioner’s Office has provided critical support in our efforts to combat wage theft and labor trafficking in San Diego County,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “The grant helped our county partners take a collaborative approach, enhancing prosecution efforts and securing restitution for victims of these crimes. Our partnership with California Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia Brower and her office has helped us protect San Diego’s workforce and law-abiding businesses from unfair competition by those who cheat the system.”

Established in 2023 with $18 million in funding over two years, the Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grant Program supports public prosecutors in pursuing criminal and civil cases against employers for wage theft, unlawful business practices, and labor law violations. While the LCO has authority to issue citations and other penalties, this program provides essential funding for public prosecutors to take enforcement actions within their jurisdictions – allowing for a greater impact in their communities against wage theft violators.

PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Total Year Two Funding Available: $8,550,000
  • Maximum Award per Applicant: $750,000
  • Eligible Applicants:
    • District Attorneys
    • City Attorneys
    • County Counsels
    • Any city or county prosecutor with an established office or division of workers’ rights enforcement program
  • Allowable Uses of Funds:
    • Staff salaries and benefits for workers’ rights enforcement activities
    • Up to 5% may be allocated to required audits

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

  • Application Opened: May 1, 2025
  • Application Closes: June 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM
  • Award Announcements: July 1, 2025
  • Funding Period: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026

Public prosecutors interested in applying can find the application and additional information on the DIR website: Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grant.

For inquiries, please contact: WageTheftGrant@dir.ca.gov.

The Labor Commissioner’s Office hosted a virtual information session in February 2024 to support applicants in year one of the grant program. Year two applicants are encouraged to review the related materials, which remain available on the Workers' Rights Enforcement Grant Program webpage.

About the Labor Commissioner’s Office

Within the Department of Industrial Relations, the 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.

In 2020, the LCO launched a multi-pronged 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.

Workers who have questions about labor laws enforced by the LCO can call 1-833-LCO-INFO (833-526-4636) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Californians can follow the Labor Commissioner on Facebook and X (Twitter).

Employers with Questions on Requirements May Contact: MakeItFair@dir.ca.gov

Media contact:Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161

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