Wage theft as a social issue does not get the attention that it deserves. Many people are dismissive of wage theft. They assume that when employers manipulate time clock records or otherwise seek to diminish what they pay individual employees, affected workers only...
Wage And Hour Claims
Why misclassified workers may need to file a wage claim
Independent contractors or self-employed professionals have different rights than standard employees do. In theory, they set their own wages and, therefore, have fewer legal protections related to the pay that they receive. Independent contractors have to pay more...
Why the California minimum wage is going up in 2024
The California Department of Finance recently announced in a letter that the state's minimum wage must increase from $15.50 to $16 per hour. The new minimum wage, which is set to go into effect Jan. 1, is due to an inflation adjustment required by state law....
What if my employer is paying below minimum wage?
California, known for its vibrant economy and diverse industries, has robust labor laws in place to protect workers’ rights. Among these laws, the state’s minimum wage stands as a crucial pillar to help ensure fair compensation for employees across various sectors....
How California rules on unpaid work deviate from federal law
Hourly workers generally have the right to demand compensation for any time committed to their jobs. Workers deserve the promised pay they negotiated when they perform their job as expected by their employer, and they should receive full pay for all of the time that...
What should you know about tip sharing?
Understanding the intricacies of wage laws is critical for anyone working in a service industry where tips are part of the compensation structure. In California, specific laws govern tip pooling or sharing, which is the practice of pooling and dividing tips among...
How can workers prove that they’ve experienced wage theft?
Wage theft is a serious economic concern for hourly workers in particular. Employees who need every cent that they earn to support their families are often those most at risk of not receiving their pay in full. The impact of wage theft can add up to major losses for...
Employees versus independent contractors in California
In California, the distinction between independent contractors and employees carries significant legal implications. How a worker is classified can impact tax obligations, legal rights and benefits. Understanding this distinction is vital for businesses to prevent...
We’re being overworked without overtime pay. What should we do?
As an employee, you are entitled to fair pay for your work. So, what happens when your employer overworks you and doesn’t pay your overtime? It’s a frustrating and often confusing situation, and thankfully, you and your co-workers don’t have to suffer in silence....
Can your boss tell you not to discuss wages?
When you get hired on a new job, your boss tells you that the company has a policy where you don’t discuss wages. He or she asks you not to talk about how much you’re being paid with the other employees. They say it nicely and smile, but you can tell that they’re very...