Denver workers are now protected against civil wage theft

El Auditor a su servicio

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

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Workers in Denver are better protected than ever before and businesses have a clear pathway to pay their workers according to the law. Denver workers are now protected against civil wage theft.

The Denver City Council passed the new civil wage theft ordinance on Jan. 9, 2023. This ordinance applies to workers who work in Denver and all employers operating in Denver, even if their offices or primary location is somewhere else.

Wage theft occurs when a worker is paid less than the full wages to which they are legally entitled. Research shows wage theft disproportionately impacts immigrants, refugees, and people of color.

Immediately after the approval of the new ordinance, my office launched efforts to create rules for implementation as quickly as possible, so that both workers and businesses would have clear answers about what the new ordinance would mean for them. Included in the new rules are explanations for what employers should plan for during an investigation, how the new “up-the-chain” accountability will be enforced, and details on how workers are protected against retaliation.

My office recovers $500,000 for workers to start the year Auditor's Office Works for You

Denver workers are now protected against civil wage theft

The new civil wage theft rule expressly says workers are covered regardless of their immigration status and that employer retaliation following a wage complaint or investigation is strictly prohibited.

Employers can stay in compliance by paying lawful wages, maintaining payrolls for three years, and sharing the Auditor’s Office’s mandatory worksite poster with their workers.

If you or someone you know have been a victim of wage theft, you can submit a complaint to our team of analysts to trigger an investigation. Denver Labor also accepts anonymous complaints and complaints from third parties.

Every worker has a right to be paid the wages they’ve earned. Wage theft is one of the most common legal violations in the country and my goal is to help employers avoid it and get workers paid in full and on time.