Tyler Maxwell and Andrew Janz host a news conference on a wage theft resolution in this January 2024 file photo.

Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell and City Attorney Andrew Janz announced the launch of the City of Fresno’s Wage Protection Program on Thursday.

The initiative is meant to combat and prevent wage theft to help ensure workers in Fresno receive the compensation they are legally entitled to, according to a news release.

Workers can begin the process of submitting claims on a newly launched website.

The program combines education for both workers and businesses, as well as measures that allow for civil and criminal actions against employers committing wage theft to address and rectify instances in the city.

The City Attorney’s Office will hold informational workshops for both workers and employers beginning in August.

“The hard-working people of this city deserve to be compensated fairly and fully for their labor,” said Councilmember Tyler Maxwell. “The financial success of our Fresno families must continue to be a top priority for this city. I am proud to launch the Wage Protection Program as a vital step towards ensuring fair treatment for all workers in Fresno. It is my hope that this new program will help workers who’ve been taken advantage of and ensure they are paid what they are owed.”

This February, Fresno became the first city in the state to take on wage theft cases under state law with a dedicated division in Janz’ office focused on prosecuting wage theft cases.

Forms of wage theft include paying below minimum wage, willful misclassification of employees, falsifying timesheets, not paying overtime, and unauthorized deductions.

The first protection workshop for employees and community organizations begins on Aug. 20, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

The first wage protection workshop for employers will be on Oct. 22, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

For more information visit http://www.fresno.gov/wagetheft.