Helping Employees Recover The Wages They Have Earned

Paying employees for the work they do is a simple concept. In California, hourly employees are entitled to time-and-a-half pay for working more than eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Unfortunately, many businesses go to great lengths to avoid having to pay their workers for the time they work. We filed the first California wage and hour class-action lawsuit for unpaid overtime compensation over 35 years ago. Thousands of similar wage and hour class actions have been filed after our groundbreaking litigation. Still, other employers fail to pay employees minimum wage, force employees to work off the clock, or fail to provide lunch and rest breaks, vacation time, sick time or other benefits required under the law.

If you haven’t been paid the wages you are owed, you don’t have to be alone. With us on your side, you can give yourself the best chance of recovering the wages you have earned. At Anticouni & Ricotta, we are attorneys who take on every kind of wage and hour claim for working people across the Central Coast and throughout California.

California’s Protective Wage And Hour Laws

California labor laws offer employees significantly more protection than federal regulations. Among the most crucial aspects of these laws are the rules governing overtime compensation. In California, employees are entitled to overtime pay at 1 1/2 times their regular rate for working more than eight hours in a day or over 40 hours in a week, whichever is greater. In some cases, employees may even be eligible for double-time pay.

One of the most common and costly wage violations occurs when employers misclassify salaried employees as exempt from overtime. We have successfully recovered over $130 million in unpaid overtime compensation for California workers. If you’re a salaried employee who’s unsure about your overtime eligibility, consulting with a lawyer can help clarify your rights under California law.

Trailblazers In Wage And Hour Litigation

Our law firm filed the first wage and hour class action in California more than 35 years ago. Since then, we have recovered more than $175 million* for employees across California. With our history of success, we can confidently represent you and any other individuals who is facing wage and hour issues.

We invite you to review our Wage and Hour Class Actions page to see a list of our successful outcomes in these types of cases.

Wage and hour claims are often heard before the California labor commissioner. We are lawyers who have successfully represented hundreds of clients before this government agency as well as in negotiations. You can be confident in our ability to analyze the evidence in your case and work to help you recover all unpaid wages you have been denied.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wage And Hour Claims

Below, we’ve compiled answers to some common questions about wage and hour issues to help you better understand your rights as an employee in California.

My employer requires me to be on call but doesn’t pay me for that time. Is that legal in California?

The legality of unpaid on-call time depends on various factors, such as the degree of control your employer exercises over your activities during on-call periods. An attorney can assess your specific situation to determine if you should be compensated for on-call time.

When is an employer required to pay overtime in California?

California labor law mandates overtime compensation for nonexempt workers in several scenarios: when their workday exceeds eight hours, when their workweek surpasses 40 hours or when they’re on the job for a seventh consecutive day. The rate is typically 1 1/2 times the regular pay rate, with some exceptions for extended hours or consecutive days.

If I’m receiving tips, can my employer pay me less than minimum wage and use the tips to cover the shortfall in California?

No, this practice is not legal in California. Employers must pay tipped employees the full state minimum wage before tips. Tips are separate from wages and belong to the employee.

If I want to file a legal complaint, what do I need to do, and what can I expect?

To file a wage claim, you can submit a complaint to the California Labor Commissioner’s Office or consult with an attorney about filing a lawsuit. The process typically involves providing evidence of wage violations, attending a conference or hearing, and potentially negotiating a settlement or proceeding to trial.

These questions represent just a few of the many wage and hour issues California employees may face. If you have concerns about your pay or working conditions, consulting with an experienced employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and options for pursuing fair compensation.

Contact Our Santa Barbara Law Firm To Learn More About Your Rights

We offer a free phone consultation to discuss your situation in detail. Call 805-699-5968 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

*This does not guarantee, warranty or predict the outcome of any particular case.