'We're not asking for handouts': These truckers cleaned up debris after California wildfires only to be burned by the system — and say they've yet to be paid the thousands they're owed

'We're not asking for handouts'

Miramontes and Correa say they were contracted through a complex chain involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and various other subcontractors. They were ultimately brought on by a company called Chief Engineering.

Miramontes says he’s been paid about $20,000 so far, but says he is still owed roughly $69,000. Correa says he’s received around $12,000 but is still waiting on approximately $72,000. Other truckers the broadcaster spoke with say they’re in similar positions, with the pay stubs, invoices, and time logs to back up their claims. Many have sought answers, but feel they’re being ignored.

Chief Engineering, they allege, was paid by its upstream contractors but has failed to pay them in turn.

CBS Los Angeles says it reached out to Chief Engineering, which responded: “We are working on payments to all drivers, and all payments will be made to them as they expect.” When pressed for details on the delays and a timeline for payment, the company did not offer further explanation.

“We did everything they asked, what they expected from us,” Miramontes said. “We took care of it, we did it.”

In the meantime, the group says they’re considering legal actions if progress isn’t made soon.

“I’m fighting for what I worked for, for my money, just like my colleagues are fighting for theirs,” Correa said. “We’re not asking for handouts.”

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Hidden cost of rebuilding

Following natural disasters comes the essential cleanup process to make way for rebuilding. In the wake of this year’s California wildfires, these truckers claim they were left in the dust after picking up debris for months.

This isn’t a one-time scandal, either. For example, after Northern California’s Tubbs Fire in 2017, there were reports of cleanup crews alleging they were cheated out of pay and verbally abused. Concerns also swirled about workers being exposed to toxins while on burn sites.

Meanwhile, one of the systems meant to protect them may be struggling. A report by the Sacramento Bee shows that Cal/OSHA, the agency tasked with protecting all workers on the frontlines of disaster recovery, is in the midst of a staffing crisis. That means there may be fewer inspectors available and potentially longer wait times.

Fire cleanup crews operate under Cal/OSHA’s safety regulations, even if they’re treated as independent contractors and regardless of their immigration status.

In addition, many of these workers are non-union, which means they have limited leverage and voice.

Disaster recovery may be a growing industry because of issues like climate change. But it’s one that’s necessary if residents of affected areas expect to rebuild their lives.