The San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) reported assisting over 17,000 workers in Fiscal Year 2024, marking the highest number since its establishment in 2001. The office, a part of the Office of the City Administrator, focuses on safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers in San Francisco. In the past year, OLSE resolved more than 400 cases and recovered over $16 million in restitution and fees.
San Francisco has been at the forefront of worker protection initiatives, being the first city to implement a local minimum wage, paid sick leave, paid parental leave, and healthcare access for employees. These policies have influenced more than 60 other cities to adopt similar measures.
This year saw OLSE’s first interagency enforcement action with partners from the U.S. Department of Labor and California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. This collaboration resulted in recovering over $900,000 for more than 38 workers.
City Administrator Carmen Chu commented on OLSE’s impact: “The work of the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement has a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of our city’s workers. This year is no exception with the staff resolving a record number of cases and providing assistance to over 17,000 workers.” She expressed appreciation for OLSE’s commitment under Pat Mulligan’s leadership.
OLSE continues to focus on enforcing legislation passed by San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors and voters. Recent efforts include introducing San Francisco Labor and Employment Code standards covering minimum wages and health care security; implementing tax reductions for union labor-built housing; and enforcing prevailing wage requirements for certain housing projects.
Patrick Mulligan praised his team: “I am proud of the OLSE team for fostering a culture of compliance that protects workers and ensures fairness for employers.”
More details are available in OLSE’s annual report.
