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7,200 workers recover millions in stolen wages

the Auditor at your service

Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA, Auditor of Denver

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This month, I shared a new record from our office. Denver Labor reported results from 2025 showing a record $2,310,009.82 recovered for workers who had been underpaid. All numbers surpass previous results: 7,200 received the wages they were owed (a 60% increase from last year), and my analysts closed an impressive 859 cases.

However, these numbers also highlight an ongoing problem in Denver. Wage theft remains prevalent, and additional resources are needed to identify violations and ensure that workers receive the legal wages and compensation they are owed.

Common wage theft examples include violations around minimum wage, overtime, prevailing wave, paid sick leave, rest breaks, and independent contractor misclassifications. My team works tirelessly to address these issues. In 2025, we reviewed 100% of wage theft complaints, audited more than 100,000 payroll records for a second straight year and uncovered a variety of wage violations across multiple industries.

7,200 workers recover millions in stolen wages

Residents can suggest which programs or contracts should be audited Wage investigation leads to gig app company policy overhaul Denver Labor protects the rights of all workers, including those at strip clubs Denver Labor helps 4,500 people recover more than $2M in restitution Shelter security and financial disorganization highlight Housing Stability issues My office recovers $500,000 for workers to start the year Auditor's Office Works for You

From a steakhouse returning wages to 44 employees who had been underpaid, to nail salons, barbershops, yoga studios, and real estate companies correcting mistakes, millions of dollars went back into the pockets of workers who rely on every paycheck.

The wage theft problem isn’t limited to traditional workplaces. Our investigations also uncovered widespread wage theft in the gig economy. We helped 1,400 workers at Veryable workers and nearly 850 at Qwick receive what they were owed after being underpaid, misclassified, or denied sick leave.

Denver Labor’s goal is to ensure everyone is paid according to the law, regardless of the immigration status. We are aware many of our workers remain silent because they fear retaliation or because they cannot advocate for themselves, but Denver’s wage laws have their backs. My team of analysts protects workers’ identities, helps recover unpaid wages, and imposes penalties on employers for every act of retaliation, including threats.

7,200 workers recover millions in stolen wages

All workers in Denver have the right to ask about or discuss their rights, file a complaint, cooperate with an investigation, or refuse to commit wage theft. Remember to contact my team if you experience retaliation or any adverse action for engaging in a legally protected activity. Rest assured that we will vigorously investigate the case and help remediate the harm.

I also know that most businesses want to do right their right thing and that mistakes can happen. My office supports these hones employers by providing them the support and resources they need to remain compliant. Do not hesitate to contact my team at WageComplaints@DenverGov.org if you need guidance navigating wage law requirements in the city. We also work for you and are here to help.