DENVER AUDITOR RECOVERS $13K FOR STIFFED CAFE STAFF

Acting on an anonymous minimum wage complaint, the Denver City Auditor's office recently recovered $13,616.94 in backpay for 25 café workers.

They put in almost 1,000 hours without proper compensation.

"When we contacted the café, managers immediately gave us access to the necessary records, and we identified numerous underpayments," Auditor Timothy O'Brien said. He didn't provide the name of the establishment.

Earlier, the auditor's office announced a pair of Denver strip clubs owed nearly $14 million in stolen wages, penalties and fees.

"Wages help families pay for rent, food, medical bills, and other essential expenses," O'Brien said. "More than that, they affirm that workers’ rights are valued and protected."

The city auditor's office operates independently from the mayor and city council.