SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the Attorney General released the official title and summary of the California Fair Pay and Employer Accountability Act of 2022. The measure will reform the way workers file labor code claims by placing them back in the hands of an independent state regulator.

“The measure will redirect more than $100 million in resources to the Labor Commissioner’s office right away,” said Brian Maas, President of the California New Car Dealers Association. “The funding will go towards investigating and helping workers settle their claims with employers.”

The Act doubles all penalties for businesses willfully violating wage and hour laws. And, workers receive 100 percent of the penalties, rather than dividing the money between the state and the worker.

“This act will hold companies accountable for paying fair wages and will make wronged workers whole more quickly,” said Jot Condie, President + CEO of the California Restaurant Association. “State data shows that workers will fare better in the hands of an independent regulator than they do when bountyhunter trial lawyers leave workers with pennies while they walk away with millions.”

“California’s workers recover more money when the Labor Commissioner handles their claims, and in less time,” said Jennifer Barrera, President and CEO of CalChamber. “Importantly, workers won’t have to give a third of their award to trial lawyers.”

Under the Act, the Labor Commissioner’s office will continue to be funded by assessments on employers, not the general fund or taxpayers, ensuring there will be adequate funding year in and year out. The measure also adds a consultation unit, where businesses can request information on how to interpret and comply with the law.

“Our measure accomplishes what we set out to do,” said Dave Puglia, President and CEO of Western Growers. “It will help employers correctly follow labor laws and offer quicker and better outcomes for harmed employees.”

Californians for Fair Pay and Accountability continues to grow its coalition in support of this critical PAGA reform and begins signature gathering in the coming week.

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California New Car Dealers (CNCDA) represents nearly 1,200 franchised new car and truck dealers throughout California. CNCDA members are primarily engaged in the retail sale and lease of new vehicles, and also engage in automotive service, repair and part sales.

Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. WGA members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce.

As a not-for-profit since 1890, CalChamber works to transform California’s business landscape. Today, nearly 40,000 businesses in the state rely on CalChamber for advocacy and labor law compliance.

The California Restaurant Association provides ultimate access to the resources and support that restaurant professionals need to lead thriving businesses while serving as conscientious, contributing members of an unparalleled industry. California is home to eating and drinking places that ring up more than $72 billion in sales and employ more than 1.4 million workers, making restaurants an indisputable driving force in the state’s economy.

Paid for by Californians for Fair Pay and Employer Accountability, sponsored by farmers, small businesses, independent restaurants and nonprofit organizations. Committee major funding from California New Car Dealers Association.