Important Employee Entitlements to Protect Your Earnings Under California Labor Law

Wage theft is a growing problem in California and affects workers across many sectors including construction, retail, hospitality, and domestic work. It occurs when employers fail to pay workers all the wages they have rightfully earned. Whether intentional or not, wage theft is illegal and can cause serious financial hardship for employees.

Common forms of wage theft include:

• Not paying overtime wages as required by law
• Forcing employees to work off the clock without compensation
• Not providing or paying for mandated meal and rest breaks
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits
• Refusing to pay final wages or accrued vacation at the time of termination

California law is clear: all nonexempt employees must be paid at least the minimum wage and receive overtime pay when eligible. Additionally, they are entitled to accurate wage statements and timely payment of wages. Employers who violate these laws may face penalties and be required to compensate affected employees for lost wages and damages.

If you believe you are a victim of wage theft, you should keep detailed records of your hours worked, wages received, and any communications with your employer. You can file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office, or seek help from a labor law attorney who can represent your interests in court or settlement negotiations.

Fighting wage theft is not just about recovering your pay. It is also about protecting your rights and sending a message that exploitation will not be tolerated.