06/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/11/2025 13:29
NEWS RELEASE
Los Angeles-The Labor Commissioner is reminding all workers that California's labor laws protect every worker in the state, regardless of immigration status.
Workers who file wage claims, retaliation complaints or exercise other rights are not required to disclose their immigration status. The Labor Commissioner's Office will not inquire about the immigration status of any individual seeking assistance or protection under California labor law.
Immigration-related threats in retaliation for exercising a right are unlawful. Employers cannot:
In addition, employers are legally required to comply with notice provisions informing employees of immigration enforcement at the workplace and notifying their authorized representative of the activity and outcome.
File a Claim from Outside California
You can still file a claim even if you leave California or the United States. Contact the Labor Commissioner's Officefor help by calling the toll-free number, 833-526-4636, or online. For international calls, enter the calling codefrom the country you are calling fromplus the U.S. code (1) and the LCO number (833-526-4636). For example, from Mexico, dial 00 + 1 + 833-526-4636.
Take these proactive steps to protect yourself from wage theft or retaliation:
Additional Resources
About the Labor Commissioner's Office
Within the Department of Industrial Relations, the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (California Labor Commissioner's Office) combats wage theft and unfair competition by investigating allegations of illegal and unfair business practices.
In 2020, the LCO launched a multi-pronged outreach campaign, "Reaching Every Californian." The campaign amplifies basic protections and builds pathways to affected populations, so workers and employers understand legal protections and obligations, as well as the Labor Commissioner's enforcement procedures.
Californians can follow the Labor Commissioner on Facebook and X (Twitter).
Employers with Questions on Legal Obligations May Contact: MakeItFair@dir.ca.gov
Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161