Friends,
It’s not everyday that an opportunity like this comes along. Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed our executive director, Lilia García-Brower, to serve as the Labor Commissioner for the state of California.
Lilia has worked tirelessly for nearly two decades leading the Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund in our goal to eliminate illegal and unfair business practices in California’s janitorial industry. She has been an absolutely incredible leader and her fearlessness, depth of knowledge, unparalleled experience and wit has earned her a chance to lead at the state level.
Effective July 29, 2019, Lilia will begin her tenure as the state Labor Commissioner. The state of the MCTF is strong and we have already commenced an executive leadership search to fill her position. We are confident that a new executive director will be in place soon. In the interim two outstanding team leaders, who collectively have more than 28 years working in the organization, will serve as co-executive directors. Rafael Ventura and Yardenna Aaron will continue the steady drumbeat of strategic investigation and advocacy.
We would be remiss not to take a few moments to celebrate Lilia. From her infectious laugh to her sharp intellect, the MCTF built its identity and power as a nationally-recognized industry watchdog under her leadership. Over the last 19 years, we have won more than $80 million in unpaid wages. We have exposed systemic abuse and fraud that lead to more than 100 enforcement actions, including criminal prosecutions, administrative adjudication and civil prosecution by various government agencies throughout California.
When Lilia was hired, the MCTF was a skeleton operation. She took over the reins of the infant organization and lead us into uncharted territory. As the industry spiraled out of control, no government agency responded to our complaints about the rampant disregard for basic laws. Lilia was instrumental in building effective partnerships with enforcement agencies that lead to successful enforcement actions that today serve a model for strategic enforcement. Today the janitorial industry, with few regulatory tools, has one of the most effective enforcement programs in the state.
This vital work will continue in the hands of capable MCTF leaders. In an era where unfair competition thrives and hostility toward immigrant workers exacerbates already exploitive conditions, MCTF’s work is as essential now as it has ever been.
At the core our belief has been that fair competition is better for workers and businesses. When some janitorial employers are allowed to operate in the shadows and pay workers below legal wages, skirt the law and avoid paying taxes and worker’s compensation; workers, upstanding businesses and taxpayers lose. With strong leadership the MCTF will continue to expose the underground economy, level the playing field, and protect janitorial workers.
We wish Lilia the best of luck in her new endeavor and look forward to working with her in her new capacity as California State Labor Commissioner.
Sincerely,
Richard Dotts, DMS President
MCTF Board President