The County’s Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement (OLSE) launched its fourth annual Week of Action on Wednesday, bringing workers, local businesses, and community partners together to highlight labor rights and fair workplace practices across the region.
The Week of Action opened with a community breakfast at the Balboa Park Club Ballroom, where County leaders, public officials, worker advocates and community members underscored the importance of protecting workers from wage theft, ensuring employer compliance and creating safer, more equitable workplaces.
“This is a moment for us to come together with our community and partners to uplift the work being done to support workers in San Diego County who have faced wage theft and other challenges with employers,” said Branden Butler, director of OLSE.
The Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement works with partners, including the District Attorney’s Office, the California Labor Commissioner and the Employee Rights Center to provide education, outreach and enforcement of local labor laws. As of March 2026, the office has helped hundreds of workers recover more than $146,000 in unpaid wages.
“There was a woman who was forced to pay for her own motel room and made to clean additional rooms with the promise she would be paid later,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Through our partnership with OLSE and the state labor commissioner, we were able to ensure she was protected and recovered $13,000 in unpaid wages.”
A worker supported by OLSE encouraged others to speak up. “I think everyone should stand up for their rights, said Liliya Tchistiak, a wage theft victim. “Unfortunately, I was the only worker at that restaurant who got money back. Everyone else gave up.”
Workers or employers seeking information about labor rights or wage theft can contact OLSE at olse@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619‑531‑5129.
Upcoming Week of Action Events
Know Your Workplace Rights Workshop
Thursday, March 26 at 5 p.m., Spring Valley County Library, 836 Kempton St. Spring Valley, CA 91977
Learn about minimum wage, breaks, overtime, sick time and tips. Offered in English and Spanish, with a light dinner provided. RSVP online.
Health and Legal Clinic
Saturday, March 28 from 9–11 a.m., Employee Rights Center, 4161 Home Ave. San Diego, CA 92105
Free resources: food distribution, diaper giveaways, vaccines and legal, mental, dental and health resources. Free parking is available.
The County Board of Supervisors recently adopted a resolution to call on the state and federal governments to formally rename annual observances and events dedicated to César Chávez. On March 25, the County Board of Supervisors also directed the County’s Chief Administrative Officer to take action to rename César Chávez Day to Farmworkers Day through changes in the County Administrative Code and Compensation Ordinance and return to the Board on April 21.
The County remains committed to protecting workers and upholding labor standards that promote fairness, dignity, and accountability– values that extend far beyond the legacy of any one person.
