Moreno Valley Wage and Hour Attorney
California employees have guaranteed protections at work under state and federal laws. When a California employee takes a new job, they agree to work for their employer for agreed-upon compensation, such as a specific salary or hourly wage. When a company makes a compensation agreement, it’s required to pay its employee the amount promised. If an employer breaks that agreement, an experienced Moreno Valley wage and hour lawyer can help fight for your employee rights.
What Are My Rights as a California Employee?
You have a right as an employee to be paid pursuant to relevant state and federal employment laws. As of January 1, 2025, the hourly minimum wage in California is $16.50, and it can be even higher in certain cities. If you have had an issue regarding your rights to minimum wage, overtime, rest breaks, or meal breaks, please discuss these issues with a knowledgeable local attorney.
What Are Some Common Wage and Hour Violations in California?
Unfortunately, many employees experience wage and hour problems in California. Sometimes, employers mislabel their employees as interns or independent contractors. Misclassifying workers can result in wage violations and cause significant employer consequences, such as financial penalties per violation, back taxes, and possible legal liabilities.
It’s illegal not to pay employees for their total hours worked, which includes overtime pay. Additionally, employers must not expect employees to work “off the clock.” Requiring employees to arrive early to sort inventory or stay late to clean without giving them extra pay are two examples of wage and hour violations. Employers must compensate employees for all hours worked, both on-site and off-site.
Am I Supposed to Be Paid for My Overtime Work?
In California, overtime laws require time-and-a-half pay for people working over eight hours each day or forty hours each week. If you work over twelve hours in a day, you’re entitled to get double your regular employee pay. This is true for overtime work completed on-site or off-site.
In addition, the California Labor Code and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) require employers to calculate overtime at a fixed rate. Thus, employers must ensure they understand how to calculate overtime pay.
What Happens If I Didn’t Get My Rest or Meal Break?
Employees burn out without proper rest and meal breaks. In California, employers are required to give employees rest and meal breaks. It’s illegal for employers not to give their employees a ten-minute (paid) rest break after four hours of work and a thirty-minute (non-paid) meal break after five hours of work.
If a shift is six hours (or less), the employer and employee can agree to modify the expected meal and rest breaks, which protects employee well-being while also considering the variety of work arrangements in California.
Can My Employer Retaliate Against Me for Reporting a Violation?
Employees should be encouraged to report wage and hour violations at work. An attorney can discuss the California Whistleblower Protection Act with you. Employer retaliation against an employee is unlawful and directly violates California labor laws. If this has happened to you, it’s important to seek immediate legal assistance. The California Whistleblower Protection Act gives significant legal protection to employees willing to expose employer wrongdoing.
Filing claims for wage and hour violations can benefit all parties involved. Knowing that claims can be made by their employees holds employers accountable and assists them in maintaining a good workplace environment and reputation. It can also empower employees and increase overall morale in the workplace. There are many benefits to filing a claim, and an attorney can further discuss any wage and hour questions you might have.
FAQs
Q: What Does a Wage and Hour Attorney Cost in California?
A: In California, the cost of hiring a wage and hour attorney varies and can depend on several factors.
- Attorney availability/experience level
- Case complexity
- Office location
- Whether you signed a contingency fee agreement, retainer agreement, or a flat fee
- Facts for your employment case
- Whether witnesses/experts are needed
- Whether your case proceeds to trial
You may find a local employment attorney in Moreno Valley invaluable, as their collaboration with your claim can positively impact your case and financial recovery.
Q: What Is the 2-Hour Pay Rule in Moreno Valley, California?
A: The 2-Hour Pay Rule in California states that an employee who reports to work for a set shift but is told to go home early due to insufficient work must be compensated. Specifically, the employee must be paid for at least two hours of work at the employee’s standard rate. This applies if they worked less than half of the entire scheduled shift.
Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on Wage and Hour Laws in Moreno Valley, California?
A: California’s statute of limitations (the deadline to file a claim) for wage and hour issues is three years from the date of the employment violation. This is true for minimum wage violations, illegal deductions, denial of rest breaks or meal breaks, unpaid reimbursements, overtime, and other issues. If you experienced a wage and hour violation, you can consult with a well-informed employment attorney about the timelines to file your claim.
Q: What Laws Apply to California Hourly Employees?
A: In California, laws that apply to hourly employees address:
- Rest and meal breaks
- Minimum wage
- Bereavement leave
- Paid sick leave
- Protections against harassment and discrimination
- Working “off the clock”
These laws are designed to protect hourly employees and ensure fair treatment, addressing everything from workplace safety to equitable pay practices. Compliance is strictly enforced to uphold employee rights. Employers must comply with these regulations to avoid penalties.
Speak With an Experienced Moreno Valley Wage and Hour Lawyer Today
As an employee in California, if you think your rights have been violated, it’s important to discuss your concerns with an attorney who can provide guidance about the next steps.
English Lloyd & Armenta successfully handles wage and hour claims for employees in Moreno Valley. With our employment law attorneys by your side, you can pursue your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. We are here to fully explain your legal options and answer any questions you might have. Contact our office today to discuss your case.
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