Travis County DA and U.S. Department of Labor Strengthen Partnership to Combat Wage Theft

On November 12, 2024, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office announced a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division to enhance enforcement efforts against wage theft in Travis County. The updated agreement enables the two offices to collaborate by sharing information, conducting joint investigations, and coordinating enforcement efforts.

In 2021, the Travis County DA’s Office launched the Economic Justice Enforcement Initiative, which allocates resources to prosecute wage theft and other workplace-related crimes. The initial MOU with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division was signed in November 2021 to address wage violations such as unpaid minimum wage and overtime.

Travis County DA José Garza commented, “We understand that addressing economic stability is fundamental to enhancing public safety in our community. This new agreement between our agencies will enable us to continue to pursue justice for victims of wage theft in Travis County and ensure that employers who engage in unlawful practices are held accountable.”

Wage and Hour Division Deputy Regional Administrator Nathan Barrow added, “This MOU allows our agencies to address serious challenges and to work together to educate employers and better serve the public.”

Members of the public, regardless of their immigrant status, can report incidents of wage theft to the Travis County District Attorney’s office through the agency’s website or by emailing TCDAWageTheft@traviscountytx.gov