LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) continues to spread awareness that the minimum wage in unincorporated LA County increased to $17.27 per hour on July 1.
The new minimum wage of $17.27 applies to employees who work at least two hours per week within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Employers with 25 or fewer employees must pay their employees no less than $17.27 an hour.
The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) plays a crucial role in ensuring workers in unincorporated LA county receive the correct wages as mandated by law.
“Because the minimum wage recently increased, it’s important that workers know what the new rate is and what rights they have if they are not being paid correctly. Workers in unincorporated LA County have rights protected by law, including protection against discrimination and retaliation if they report their employer for workplace violations,” said Keven Chavez, Public Information Officer for the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. “Workers can file a complaint with the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) within three years of the occurrence of the alleged violation. DCBA will investigate the alleged violation and can help get the wages they are owed. The new minimum wage increase also applies to undocumented workers, and DCBA will not ask or report immigration status if they file a complaint against an employer. DCBA is here to inform workers about their rights, and to hold employers in unincorporated LA County accountable to employment laws.”
A recent example highlights the importance of DCBA’s work in advocating for workers. In 2023, an employee from one of two Wingstop restaurants in unincorporated LA County reached out to DCBA regarding concerns about the correct minimum wage. Following an investigation, DCBA uncovered over four years of wage violations. The restaurants’ owner-operators ultimately agreed to a settlement of $667,414.05, covering back wages for employees, fines to workers, and penalties to the county.
DCBA offers a range of free services for workers in unincorporated LA County, including education on workers’ rights under the new minimum wage law, investigating wage violations, and assisting workers in recovering owed wages. Additionally, DCBA supports Los Angeles County businesses and non-profit organizations by providing guidance to ensure they remain compliant with the latest wage regulations.
Workers in Los Angeles County are protected by law, and DCBA is here to help them assert their rights, including the right to be paid the correct minimum wage. DCBA also supports employers by providing the latest information on any changes to wages and other employment law, so they can remain compliant with the county.
“We encourage workers to visit https://lacounty.gov/muas/ to determine if they work in unincorporated LA County,” said Chavez.