More than $2 million for 3,570 workers - El Comercio de Colorado

MY OFFICE’S IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY

The Auditor at your service

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

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Denver’s wage protections are some of the strongest in the United States. Through enforcement and education, my Denver Labor team helps workers of all income levels receive the wages they earned according to law. We also help ensure a level playing field for Denver’s vibrant business community.

This past month we issued our Annual Wage Theft report describing our work, results, and impacts from 2023. Compared to our previous reporting year, Denver Labor collected 85% more money in restitution, assisted over 1,500 more workers, and closed 29% more cases after finding unpaid wages.

My goal is to ensure all workers in Denver receive the wages they earn and that all employers can compete fairly. My office’s commitment to Denver’s diverse communities, and City Council’s passage of the new the new Civil Wage Theft Ordinance allowed us to set new records for wage restitution, productivity and community engagement.

Our office recovered more than $2 million for 3,570 workers. We audited about 96,000 payroll records, attended more than 45 community events, updated internal policies and procedures, and conducted extensive rulemaking to implement and clarify the Civil Wage Theft Ordinance.

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

Wage theft is a crime that harms all of us — especially the most vulnerable workers in society. Despite the legal protections and guarantees in wage and hour laws, too many people who suffer violations of their basic workplace rights have no real ability to enforce those rights.

While wage theft can affect anyone, research shows it is not a crime that affects all people the same. Instead, certain kinds of people are especially vulnerable. Nonunion workers, people of color, women, younger workers, those with limited formal education, and workers with an irregular immigration status are more susceptible to abuse than others and far more likely to have their wages stolen.

In 2023, my team proactively investigated high-risk industries and workplaces — including nail salons, home health care operations, construction sites, and staffing agencies —conducted employer-wide investigations, and worked closely with community organizations, including nonprofits, labor unions, registered neighborhood organizations, and trade and industry groups.

My goal for 2024 is to keep protecting the rights and interests of all the city’s workers and residents of all income levels and ensure all good-faith employers can compete fairly. If you have questions about your wage rights and obligations, please contact our bilingual team at [email protected]. They are here to serve you.