Board establishes wage-theft task force to coordinate enforcement and recommendations

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday passed in first reading an ordinance establishing a wage-theft task force to define membership, duties and a sunset date.

Supervisor Campos, sponsor of the ordinance, said the task force is a next step following prior wage-theft legislation and is intended to bring city agencies, community groups, workers and businesses together to improve coordination and enforcement. Campos called for ensuring the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement has adequate funding to carry out increased responsibilities.

Supervisor Marr and others thanked worker organizations including the Progressive Workers Alliance for advocacy on the issue; Supervisor Kim emphasized that enforcement and follow-up are as important as passing legislation.

Supervisor Chu asked whether the legislation's scheduling support role that referenced a supervisor's office was expected to be handled within existing staff resources; Campos said the office volunteered to help but was open to alternative staffing arrangements and that it would be handled within existing resources.

The ordinance passed first reading on a unanimous roll call. The task force will convene to make recommendations and help improve city enforcement against wage theft.