At Elite Employment Law we know that wage theft is a pervasive issue affecting millions of workers across California. As a dedicated employment law attorney, we are committed to ensuring that employees receive fair compensation for their hard work.
We fight for the rights of employees. If you believe you have been a victim of wage theft, let our experienced Irvine employment law attorney help you. Contact us today for a free confidential consultation.
Why Choose Our Irvine Wage Dispute Lawyer at Elite Employment Law?
Our firm is dedicated to protecting workers’ rights in Irvine and throughout California. We have deep knowledge of California labor laws and decades of experience protecting the rights of California workers.
When we take your case, you receive personalized attention. No two cases are exactly alike and our strategy for each case will differ. We customize a legal strategy for your specific case to get the best results possible.
At Elite Employment Law, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars for California employees. We have surpassed a 97 percent success rate and eighty percent of our cases are successfully settled without even needing to file suit.
We believe in the contingency fee mode because it helps level the playing field for employees. There is no upfront cost to you to seek justice for workplace wrongdoings. We do not get paid unless we successfully resolve your case.
Wage Theft in California
Wage theft occurs when employers fail to pay workers properly for their labor. This illegal practice takes many forms, some of which may not be immediately obvious to employees.
As a worker in California, you have extensive legal rights, including:
- The right to receive at least minimum wage for all hours worked
- Entitlement to overtime pay for hours worked beyond 8 in a day or 40 in a week
- The right to meal and rest breaks
- Timely payment of wages
- Reimbursement for work-related expenses
California labor laws provide some of the strongest protections for workers in the nation. These laws apply to all employees, regardless of immigration status. At Elite Employment Law, we are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Forms of Wage Theft
Wage theft can be subtle, and many workers may not realize they are being underpaid. Some common types of wage violations include:
- Failure to pay minimum wage. Employers must pay at least the state or local minimum wage, whichever is higher.
- Overtime violations. Nonexempt employees are entitled to 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked beyond 8 in a day or 40 in a week and double time for hours beyond 12 in a day.
- Misclassification. Some employers incorrectly classify employees as independent contractors or as exempt to avoid paying overtime or providing benefits.
- Off-the-clock work. Requiring employees to work before clocking in, after clocking out, or during unpaid breaks is illegal.
- Meal and rest break violations. California law mandates specific break periods for nonexempt employees.
- Unlawful deductions. Employers cannot make deductions that bring an employee’s pay below minimum wage or that are not explicitly authorized by law.
- Failure to reimburse expenses. Employees must be reimbursed for necessary job-related expenses.
- Unpaid commission or bonuses. Withholding earned commissions or promised bonuses is a form of wage theft.
Your Rights as a California Employee
California labor laws provide extensive protections for workers. As an employee, you have the right to:
- One unpaid 30-minute meal break for shifts over 5 hours
- A second unpaid 30-minute meal break for shifts over 10 hours
- One paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked
- Overtime pay for hours worked beyond 8 in a day or 40 in a week
- Double-time pay for hours worked beyond 12 in a day
- Timely payment of wages (at least twice per month)
- Final paycheck upon termination or within 72 hours of resignation
Compensable “Hours Worked” in California
It is important to understand what constitutes “hours worked” under California law. Compensable time includes not just your regular shift, but also:
- Waiting and On-Call Time. If you’re required to remain on-premises or severely restricted in your activities, this time may be compensable.
- Training Time. Most job-related training sessions, meetings, or workshops are considered work time and must be paid.
- Preparation Time. Time spent putting on required protective gear or setting up equipment before your shift may be compensable.
- Travel Time. While regular commuting isn’t usually compensable, travel between work sites or running work-related errands during the day typically is.
- Short Rest Periods. Breaks of 20 minutes or less must be paid.
Contact Our Irvine Wage Dispute Attorney Today
Do not let wage theft rob you of your hard-earned money. If you suspect your employer is violating wage and hour laws, contact Elite Employment Law today for a free confidential consultation. Our Irvine unpaid wages attorney is ready to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve under California law.
Remember, standing up for your rights is not just about recovering your wages. It is also about promoting fair labor practices and holding employers accountable. Let Elite Employment Law be your advocate in the fight against wage theft.