professional legal help for wage violations in Torrance, CA and Sacramento, CA

Wage violations

Wage violations can manifest in various forms, from unpaid overtime and mismanaged break periods to withheld bonuses. These practices not only undermine an employee's earnings but also violate the trust and legal agreement between worker and employer.

UNPAID WAGES

In California, your right to fair wages is protected by law, no matter where you're from or your legal status. If you're facing issues like being asked to work before clocking in, having your time cards altered, not getting full lunch breaks, working during breaks, falsified electronic time records, or being denied rightful commissions or bonuses, know that these practices are not legal. Keep a detailed record of your work hours and pay, and don't hesitate to raise concerns with your employer, ideally in writing.

Illegal Deductions From Wages

It is unlawful for employers to make deductions from your wages for honest mistakes, such as accidental damage to company property or errors leading to cash register shortages, as these can unfairly burden employees who rely on their earnings. Since employers typically have the means to address such losses through insurance, they cannot resort to self-help by withholding money from your paycheck, whether for uniform costs, lost or broken tools, or even vehicle damage incurred during work—even if due to negligence.

Minimum Wage Violations

The minimum wage in California is currently $16.00 per hour. For fast food establishments that are part of a chain of at least 60 locations nationwide, the minimum wage is $20.00 per hour. Healthcare minimum wage is $18-$23 per hour. In addition, some city ordinances require a higher minimum wage depending on where you work. Beware of employers who pay by the job or piece rate; they must still meet the minimum wage for all hours worked, including unproductive time. These rules can be complex, but we're here to help ensure you're paid fairly.

unpaid bonuses

Employers sometimes withhold bonuses through tactics like changing bonus criteria after the fact, terminating employees just before bonus distribution, or neglecting to honor established bonus programs due to financial avarice. If you've been denied a bonus that you've diligently worked towards and earned, David A. Mallen is equipped with the knowledge and experience to advocate for your right to receive it.

day rate violations

Day rate violations occur when employers pay a fixed daily rate regardless of the number of hours worked, often neglecting the requirement to pay additional overtime for hours worked beyond the standard workday. This practice can deprive employees of their rightful earnings and contravene labor laws that mandate proper compensation. If you're paid a day rate and work long hours without appropriate additional pay, you may be entitled to recover the wages rightfully owed to you.

UNPAID overtime

In California, all workers are entitled to fair wage practices regardless of origin or legal status, including timely wage payments upon employment. We handle cases where employers violate this right through unpaid preparatory work, time card adjustments, shortened or missed breaks, tampered electronic records, and wrongful termination to evade commissions. If you suspect wage discrepancies, document your hours and pay daily, and assert your rights by informing your employer in writing, as retaliation for such complaints is illegal.

unpaid commissions

Employers may attempt to manipulate commissions by reducing the agreed-upon plan, terminating employees post-major sales to reassign the earnings, or simply not honoring their own commission structures out of greed. Regardless of where you stand on the pay scale, if you've been denied the commission you've rightfully earned, David A. Mallen has a track record of successfully litigating such cases.

Wage violation concerns

Common Questions

  • What should I do if my employer is deducting break time I’m not taking?

    Document your actual work hours and any missed break times, then raise the issue with your employer. If the situation doesn't resolve, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

  • What if my employer pays me late?

    Employers are required to pay employees on regular paydays. If you receive your wages late consistently, it could be a wage violation, and you might be eligible for additional compensation.

  • Can I be fired for asking about wage violations?

    It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for inquiring about or claiming their lawful wages, including overtime or missed breaks. If you're fired for such reasons, you may have a retaliation claim.

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