The Department of Industrial Relations’ (DIR) Labor Commissioner’s Office has announced that Farm Labor Contractor (FLC) applications can now be processed online. The new system is a convenient alternative to applying in person or by mail, and also allows for efficient renewal of FLC licenses.

DIR continuously seeks ways to bring the department into the 21st century, and allowing potential farm labor contractors to complete the application process online is a tremendous step toward doing just that,” said DIR Director Christine Baker. The Labor Commissioner’s Office, also known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), is a division of DIR.

“Since I became Labor Commissioner, I have heard complaints about our process from the FLC community, and this upgrade to our services shows that we are listening,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “We want to make it easy for employers who want to comply with the law to do so and crack down on those who don’t.”

The new FLC application system allows users to upload scanned versions of required documents, pay fees by credit card or electronic fund transfer, view the mandatory 8-hour training class and submit their completed application entirely online. Using any internet-connected computer, the FLC applicant can create an account, save work as it progresses and complete the application at their convenience.

Since Labor Commissioner Su was appointed, the number of days to review and process the FLC licenses has decreased from an average of 60 days in 2010 to 20 days in 2013. Also, in 2011, the Labor Commissioner introduced an on-line verification of FLC registration status. “This is a critical industry in California, said Su. “We have been steadily improving services to FLCs and to encourage growers to utilize only registered contractors who comply with all labor laws.”

The online application is available at the Labor Commissioner’s FLC page.

Among its wide-ranging enforcement responsibilities, the Labor Commissioner’s office inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, enforces prevailing wage rates and apprenticeship standards in public works projects, investigates retaliation complaints, issues licenses and registrations for businesses and educates the public on labor laws.

The most recent information related to California labor laws is available on the DLSE website as well as on Facebook and Twitter pages. Employees with work-related questions or complaints may call the toll-free California Workers’ Information Line at (866) 924-9757 for recorded information, in English and Spanish.

More information on federal labor laws and compliance assistance is available online.

For media inquiries, contact Erika Monterroza at (510) 286-1164 or Peter Melton at (510) 286-7046.