Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Shireen Malekafzali, Chief Equity Officer
Subject: Update on the design of the County of San Mateo County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Accept staff's update on the design of the County of San Mateo's Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement in partnership between the County Executive's Office, the County Attorney's Office and the District Attorney's Office; and provide feedback to staff.
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BACKGROUND:
On December 12, 2023, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to launch an Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement (OLSE) with specific attention to low-income workers and workers from vulnerable populations (Resolution No. 080073). The goal is to inform workers and employers about labor rights and increase adherence to wage per hour laws through increased awareness and enforcement. The OLSE would aim to strengthen worker protections by having in-house support to reinforce regional, state and federal regulatory and educational strategies.
The resolution noted the important need and large gap between the problem of wage theft and enforcement. Wage theft also creates public losses in payroll and income taxes, as well as increased need for public assistance.
In response to challenges and gaps in enforcement, local jurisdictions have implemented educational and enforcement services through new offices such as this Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.
DISCUSSION:
Research: Over the last four to five months, the County's Executive Office, in partnership with Supervisor Pine and Mueller's Offices, the County's Attorney's Office, and the District Attorney's Office have been exploring approaches and pathways for implementation of an Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement. Through discussions with a number of practitioners of OLSEs across California and the ...
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