AUSTIN, Texas — The Travis County District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Labor are teaming up to fight wage theft.
The two agencies renewed an agreement on Tuesday allowing them to share information, conduct joint investigations and coordinate enforcement efforts – all so they can make sure employers who steal from employees are held accountable.
“We are thrilled to announce our continuing collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “We understand that addressing economic stability is fundamental to enhancing public safety in our community. This new agreement between our agencies will enable us to continue to pursue justice for victims of wage theft in Travis County and ensure that employers who engage in unlawful practices are held accountable.”
In September 2021, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office launched the Economic Justice Enforcement Initiative, which dedicates additional resources to prosecuting wage theft and other work-related crimes.
In November 2021, the office signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, which is responsible for investigating and enforcing federal minimum wage and overtime laws.
“By renewing our agreement with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, we are recommitted in our efforts to protect workers from exploitation,” said Wage and Hour Division Deputy Regional Administrator Nathan Barrow in Dallas. “This MOU allows our agencies to address serious challenges and to work together to educate employers and better serve the public.”
Members of the public, regardless of their immigration status, can report incidents of wage theft to the Travis County District Attorney’s Office through the agency’s website or by emailing [email protected].