Wage theft occurs when an employer fails to pay an employee the full wages they are legally owed. In California, wage theft is taken seriously, and state labor laws provide strong protections for workers. Employers who withhold pay, deny lawful breaks, or misclassify employees may be engaging in wage theft, whether knowingly or not.

Common Examples of Wage Theft

Wage theft can take many forms, including both obvious and more subtle violations of labor law. Some of the most common examples include:

• Failure to pay minimum wage
• Failure to pay overtime wages
• Withholding final paychecks after resignation or termination
• Forcing employees to work “off the clock”
• Not providing meal and rest breaks as required by law
• Making unlawful deductions from wages
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors

Legal Protections for California Workers

California Labor Code mandates that all employees must receive proper compensation for all hours worked. This includes:

• Overtime pay for non-exempt employees who work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week
• Minimum wage payments that meet or exceed California’s state and local rates
• Required meal and rest breaks depending on shift length

Employers must also provide itemized wage statements and maintain accurate timekeeping records. Failure to meet any of these obligations can lead to wage theft claims.

What to Do If You Suspect Wage Theft

If you believe your employer has violated California’s wage laws, it’s important to take the following steps:

• Keep records of your hours worked, pay stubs, and any communication related to wages
• File a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office
• Speak with an employment attorney to evaluate your options

You may be entitled to recover unpaid wages, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees. In some cases, class action lawsuits may be appropriate if multiple employees have been affected.

Free Legal Help for Wage Theft Claims

The California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group is committed to helping workers recover the pay they are rightfully owed. We offer free consultations and operate on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. If you suspect your employer is engaging in wage theft, contact us today to discuss your legal rights and potential claims.