Building trades unions urge support for Assembly Bill 963 against wage theft

The California Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee meeting on July 9, 2025, spotlighted the pressing issue of wage theft in the construction industry, with strong advocacy for Assembly Bill 963. Mike West from the California State Building and Construction Trades underscored the alarming prevalence of wage theft, citing a staggering $9.5 million in stolen wages from a single project in Los Angeles. He emphasized that while most contractors comply with labor laws, a minority undermines fair practices, harming both workers and honest businesses.

West argued that compliance groups are not randomly seeking payroll records; they are responding to known violations. He dismissed claims that requests for certified payroll slow down projects, asserting that these documents are easily accessible and crucial for ensuring fair wages. He criticized the notion that the burden of proof should fall on workers, stating, “You might as well say, I'm okay with wage theft as long as I can continue to profit from it.”

Mike Greenlee, representing the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the lack of accountability for private entities using public funds. He called for the passage of AB 963, which would empower labor enforcement agencies to access necessary documents to combat wage theft effectively. Greenlee pointed out that some contractors view wage theft as a business model, profiting from multiple projects while only facing consequences on a few.

The meeting saw overwhelming support from various labor organizations, all advocating for stronger protections for workers against wage theft. The discussions underscored a critical need for legislative action to safeguard the rights of construction workers in California, ensuring that public funds are used appropriately and that all workers receive fair compensation for their labor.