Auditor's Authority to Enforce Workplace Rights Laws Amendment

Since 1950, the Denver Auditor’s Office has enforced wage laws. In the last 5 years, the Auditor has collected more than $9 million dollars and vindicated the rights of more than 15,000 workers across thousands of investigations. Denver has earned a reputation for strong laws and effective enforcement, which creates fair workplaces, a level playing field, and ensures Denver workers get paid minimum wage and overtime, aren’t misclassified as independent contractors, and can take time off when they are sick.

This Charter amendment clarifies that the Auditor’s Office may continue to defend workers from wage theft and retaliation and assert the values of a city that opposes workers’ rights violations. It does not expand the Auditor’s Office’s authority, but expressly aligns the language of the City Charter with existing law and practice, creates stability, and ensures this work will continue for years to come.

Denver DSA recommends a YES vote on Referred Question 2H.