Attorney General Bonta Issues Third Annual Labor Day Report

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the third annual Labor Day Report highlighting the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ongoing efforts to empower workers in California and across the country. The report also highlights 10 key workplace rights that every worker in California should know and exercise.

“Here in California, the fight for workers’ rights is part of our DNA,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This year, we have seen California’s labor movement leverage its members’ collective power on an unprecedented scale. My office is proud to support workers this Labor Day and all year round. From cracking down on human trafficking and labor-law violators, to fighting discrimination in the workplace — I am using the full weight of my office to protect labor rights in and beyond California.”

This summer, across the United States, more workers participated in striking for their rights than in the last three decades. Since January, over 270,000 California workers across industries have joined the picket lines, demanding better wages, benefits, and treatment. This movement shows the power of workers uniting, and this Labor Day, Attorney General Bonta is proud to pay tribute to workers across California with the 3rd annual Labor Day Report. The report highlights DOJ’s efforts to support workers and protect labor rights in California and beyond: from announcing an investigation into allegations of employment discrimination at the National Football League (NFL) to pushing back against no-poach agreements and other anticompetitive agreements that suppress worker mobility, wages, and benefits; to cracking down on human trafficking and labor law violations. 

As part of the report, Attorney General Bonta is also highlighting 10 things workers should know about their rights:

• You have the right to organize and join a union.
• You may be an employee even if you are called a contractor.
• You have several, important wage-and-hour-rights, including the right to a minimum wage.
• Your wages, tips, and accrued vacation are yours.
• You may be entitled to time off — both paid and unpaid.
• You are protected from sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, by California law.
• You may be eligible for unemployment insurance if you are fired or quit your job for good cause;
• You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
• You can reasonably refuse to do unsafe work.
• Your employer cannot retaliate against you for exercising your rights. 

If you believe any of the above rights may have been violated, the report has additional information on how to get help. If you believe you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. 

 A copy of the 2023 Labor Day Report is available here.