Programs and Initiatives

The Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement has several enforcement programs and initiatives created to support workers and employers. 

Workplace Justice Fund Program

The Workplace Justice Fund provides financial assistance to eligible workers who have won a legal judgment and received an Order, Decision or Award (ODA) from the Labor Commissioner (State). Workers can receive up to $3,000 from the Fund and the County will work to recover money from the employer. 

If you received a letter from the Labor Commissioner's Office notifying you of the Workplace Justice Fund Program, please review the following FAQ to answer some of your general questions. Workers who meet the eligibility requirements are not guaranteed to be selected for financial assistance through the Workplace Justice Fund. 

San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance

Starting October 10, 2024

To reduce barriers to employment for justice-involved individuals OLSE can conduct investigations regarding allegations of violations of the Fair Chance Ordinance and provide educational outreach services to businesses in the unincorporated area to ensure compliance. 

Wage Theft Enforcement Program

OLSE has the authority to prosecute employers who engage in unlawful labor law practices in the workplace. OLSE, along with our parters at District Attorney's Office, was selected to receive grant funds by the California Labor Commissioners Office for two years in order to develop and implement a wage theft enforcement program in the region. 

Good Faith Restaurant Owners's Program

The Restaurant program encourages businesses in the retail food industry to pay owed workers wages to maintain a County Retail Food Permit. OLSE works directly with each impacted restaurant to assist them in reaching compliance and satisfying the unpaid judgment with the California State Labor Commissioner.

Right-of-Way Done Right Ordinance

Right of Way Ordinance codifies a minimum wage for traffic control workers, including forepersons and other on-site staff necessary for traffic control, doing work on County maintained roads equal to or greater than the prevailing wage that is set by the State (DIR) for traffic control on public works projects according to the type of work and location of the project. 

Subcontractor Transparency Ordinance 

Subcontractor Ordinance requires contractors to disclose subcontractor information for subcontractors working on projects permitted by the County. This applies to all new commercial and multifamily construction projects, renovations of more than 10,000 sq feet, and right-of-way projects (excluding residential driveways/retaining walls) as of June 10, 2022.

Board Policy B-74: Janitorial, Landscaping, and Security Servies 

B-74 established criteria require all vendors contracted to provide janitorial, landscaping, and security guard services to the County to provide benefits, training, support, and other resources to their employees. The policy now includes a wage theft retention fund, Labor Agreement criteria, a minimum wage floor, and annual workplace training hosted by OLSE. 

For any further information, on any of these programs or initatives, please reach out to Community Engagement Manager Stephanie Hernandez at 619-417-5011 or stephanie.hernandez@sdcounty.ca.gov