No matter what job you have, your work deserves fair compensation. State and federal law provides workers with substantial protections designed to ensure your employer pays you for each hour you work. Unfortunately, some employers still violate these rules in an effort to save money.
When you work with an experienced employment attorney, you have the opportunity to recover any wages that your employer withheld. Erkel Law, P.C. can review your case and advise you of your options. Let a Los Angeles wage and hour lawyer ensure no employer can fail to pay you or mistreat you over your hard-earned wages.
There are a number of protections in place for workers on the state and federal level. When it comes to wages, California law sets a minimum wage that is drastically higher than what it is at the federal level. Outside of some limited exceptions, it is unlawful to pay below this hourly wage.
The state has also adopted overtime rules for non-salary employees who work more than eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. In these scenarios, workers are entitled to time and a half for each hour they work over the daily or weekly maximum. This increases to double pay for those working more than 12-hour shifts or more than seven consecutive days.
Regulations involving meal and rest breaks also exist. Employers have an obligation to give most employees a 30-minute meal break after the employee has worked for five hours. Employees get a second meal break in a 10-hour shift as well as periodic 10-minute breaks throughout the day. If an employer refuses to allow these breaks, a wage and hour attorney in Los Angeles can investigate it as a violation of state law.
When disputes over hours or pay arise, legal action may be necessary to remedy the situation. A Los Angeles attorney can assist with a variety of wage and hour violations, including the following.
The most common—and obvious—of these violations is the failure to pay earned wages. In extreme cases, you may not get a paycheck at all. However, there are other violations where you may still receive a paycheck, but for less than what you actually earned. For example, your employer could pay you below the minimum wage or at a wage that is less than what you agreed on.
The rules regarding meal and rest breaks are clear, but that does not prevent an employer from trying to take advantage of you. If your employer does not give you a brief break every four hours or if they prevent you from taking a lunch break, you could have a claim for damages.
There are also consequences for employers who fail to provide you with adequate vacation or paid time off. These are considered benefits, and any improper practice could lead to a viable claim for compensation. Examples include refusing to let a worker use their vacation days or failing to compensate for paid time off at separation.
There are times when a worker may incur employment-related expenses that they must cover with their own funds. In this scenario, the law requires employers to reimburse those costs. Failing to do so is a violation and can be legally actionable.
If you believe your employer failed to pay you the wages you earned, you may be entitled to compensation through the legal system. This process can be daunting without help, but Erkel Law, P.C. is ready to advocate for your rights. Reach out to a Los Angeles wage and hour lawyer today to discuss your options.
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