In a recent government meeting, lawmakers addressed the pressing issue of wage theft in California, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by vulnerable workers in unregulated industries. Assemblymember Ortega expressed gratitude for the attention being given to the problem, emphasizing the need for structural changes beyond merely filling vacant positions. Ortega proposed exploring alternatives to incentivize employee compliance and empower enforcement, stressing the importance of actionable outcomes from the discussions.

Senator Smallwood Cuevas, representing Los Angeles County—identified as the wage theft capital of California—echoed Ortega's sentiments. He underscored the human impact of wage theft, noting that many individuals facing homelessness and poverty are actually employed but are not receiving fair compensation. Smallwood Cuevas called for a focus on creating good jobs and equipping the labor commissioner with the necessary tools to combat wage theft effectively.

The meeting highlighted the staggering $6.7 million still owed to workers, reinforcing the urgency of the issue. Lawmakers are committed to not only discussing the problem but also implementing solutions that will protect workers and ensure fair wages across the state.