$225,600 in Penalties from Construction Sweep in LA County
California's Economic and Employment Enforcement Coalition issued 33 citations totaling $225,600 in penalties when its personnel inspected 40 Los Angeles County construction companies recently to check whether they had workers' compensation coverage, the state's Department of Industrial Relations announced June 18.
Launched in July 2005, EEEC is a task force "designed to root out California's underground economy," in DIR's description; the inspectors check for labor, tax, licensing laws, safety and health, and workers' comp violations. "It is our job to protect California workers by ensuring that their employment rights are not violated," said EEEC Executive Director David Dorame. "Equally important, we are dedicated to ensuring that all employers have a level playing field. All employers must play by the rules and comply with California labor laws."
EEEC is a collaboration of DIR and the state Employment Development Department, with participation by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Contractors State License Board when the construction industry is targeted. For more information on EEEC, visit www.dir.ca.gov.