a. The Department shall be authorized to coordinate implementation and enforcement of this chapter and may promulgate appropriate guidelines or rules for such purposes. Any guidelines or rules promulgated by the City shall have the force and effect of law and may be relied on by covered employers, employees and other parties to determine their rights and responsibilities under this chapter. Any guidelines or rules may establish procedures for ensuring fair, efficient and cost-effective implementation of this chapter, including supplementary procedures for helping to inform employees of their rights under this chapter, for monitoring covered employer compliance with this chapter, and for providing administrative hearings to determine whether a covered employer has violated the requirements of this chapter.

b. Reporting Violations. An aggrieved employee may report to the Department in writing any suspected violation of this chapter. The Department shall keep confidential, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable laws, the name and other identifying information of the employee reporting the violation; provided, however, that with the authorization of such employee, the Department may disclose their name and identifying information as necessary to enforce this chapter or other employee protection laws.

c. Investigation. The Department may investigate any possible violations of this chapter by a covered employer. The Department shall have the authority to inspect workplaces, interview persons and subpoena records or other items relevant to the enforcement of this chapter.

d. Informal Resolution. If the Department elects to investigate a complaint, the City shall make every effort to resolve complaints informally and in a timely manner. The City’s investigation and pursuit of informal resolution does not limit or act as a prerequisite for an employee’s right to bring a private action against a covered employer as provided in this chapter. (Ord. 7846-NS § 1, 2022)