AG Creates New Division to Focus on Labor Issues

Thursday, February 4, 2021 | 0

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced the formation of the Worker Rights and Fair Labor Section of the state Department of Justice, which will focus on issues including misclassification and wage theft.

Attorney General Xavier Becerra

Becerra promised to use the law enforcement powers of the Attorney General’s Office to ensure fair labor and business practices.

The new Worker Rights and Fair Labor Section will protect workers from being inappropriately classified as independent contractors, according to a statement Becerra’s office released.

The division will also focus on wage violations including employers failing to pay overtime or allow meal and rest breaks.

And it will bolster the ability of the Department of Justice to respond to emerging health and safety issues, such as those surrounding COVID-19.