Rules Committee forwards ordinance to add wage-theft and labor violations to contractor debarment criteria

The Rules Committee voted unanimously Oct. 2 to forward to the full Board an ordinance to amend the Administrative Code so contractors may be suspended or debarred for violations of state or local labor laws, including wage theft and unfair labor practices.

Sponsor Supervisor Connie Chan said the change would give the city another tool to hold employers that are contractors accountable and protect workers, noting that debarment has been used previously for criminal fraud. Vice Chair Shamann Walton and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí voiced support, calling the measure an important protection for workers who are often vulnerable to wage and benefits theft.

Public commenters included Chema Hernandez Gill of SEIU Local 1021, who urged support and said the language targets the worst actors; Debbie Lerman of the San Francisco Human Services Network welcomed the goal of holding bad actors accountable but raised questions about how the debarment process will safeguard human-services contractors and their clients and asked for more clarity and procedural protections.

Supervisor Chan acknowledged the concerns and said staff and the city attorney’s office are continuing conversations about safeguards and potential amendments; she asked the committee to forward the ordinance so those conversations can continue before full Board action. Vice Chair Walton moved the measure forward and the committee recorded unanimous aye votes.

The ordinance will go to the full Board for further consideration; committee members indicated they expect follow-up conversations and possible technical amendments to address the Human Services Network’s questions.