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California Employment Law Glossary

PAGA Claims
Legal Process & Claims

 

Definition


 

California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) authorizes individual employees to file civil actions to recover penalties for California Labor Code violations on behalf of themselves and all other similarly situated employees - effectively stepping into the role of a private attorney general. Civil penalties recovered through PAGA are split 65% to the state Labor and Workforce Development Agency and 35% to the aggrieved employees, following California's 2024 PAGA reform for claims arising after June 19, 2024. PAGA is frequently combined with class action litigation and is an exceptionally powerful tool for wage and hour enforcement.


Frequently Asked Questions

A PAGA claim lets you sue on behalf of the state to recover civil penalties for Labor Code violations affecting yourself and other employees, going beyond the personal wage recovery of a traditional lawsuit.

For claims arising after California's 2024 PAGA reform (June 19, 2024 onward), recovered civil penalties are split 65% to the state and 35% to the affected employees; older claims may follow the prior 75/25 split.

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PAGA can be a powerful tool for you and all of your similarly situated coworkers. Contact us for a free case review to find out if you may have a PAGA claim.
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This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.