This law expands the Labor Commissioner’s power to commence an investigation of an employer – with or without a retaliation complaint being filed – when retaliation by the employer against an employee is suspected during the course of adjudicating a wage claim, a field inspection or in instances of suspected immigration-related threats in violation of the Labor Code. The Labor Commissioner is further authorized to petition the Superior Court for a TRO/preliminary injunction if it has reasonable cause to believe an employer has engaged or is engaging in unlawful retaliation; employees also may seek injunctive relief. The new law also expands the Labor Commissioner’s authorization to issue citations. (SB 306.).
