"The EEEC is a perfect example of the ability of government to leverage its resources to better protect California's most vulnerable employees, the law-abiding employers and the taxpayers," said Labor and Workforce Development Agency Secretary Victoria Bradshaw.
The launch of the EEEC coincides with the 10th anniversary of the enforcement action undertaken by state labor investigators that exposed a massive underground sweatshop operation in El Monte. Ten years ago the state took action to end this operation in which over 70 people were held in virtual slavery for several years, forced to manufacture garments 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
"This was slavery in our own back yard, and a powerful reminder that we can't let our guard down," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "In the coming days we will begin enforcement sweeps in cities around the state, targeting underground businesses. The EEEC is going to clean up California business and labor abuses and make sure that there is never another El Monte nightmare."
The EEEC was proposed by Gov. Schwarzenegger and incorporated into the 2005-06 state budget. The budget provides $5.5 million and 62 additional enforcement and audit positions to investigate businesses operating in the underground economy.
California State Government
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