June 5, 2012 -- California’s Labor Enforcement Task Force, a multi-agency group created to crack down on abuses in the so-called "underground economy," has created a new public hotline to allow workers and employers to report complaints, according to a statement.

The number to call for documented complaints or to provide enforcement tips is 855-297-5322.

The task force is a way to level what is seen as an uneven playing field between businesses that follow all proper labor laws and procedures and those who skirt the law and can then undercut some of their legitimate competition. It looks at discrepancies in wages, employee safety, taxes and other areas.

Members of the task force include The Department of Industrial Relations, the Employment Development Department, Board of Equalization, Alcohol and Beverage Control and the Bureau of Automotive Repair.

Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: http://www.pe.com