Home / Glossary / Wage Theft

California Employment Law Glossary

Wage Theft
Wage & Hour

 

Definition


 

Wage theft happens when your employer fails to pay you money you legally earned. This includes shorting your hours, skipping overtime pay, docking pay illegally, or simply not paying you at all. California has some of the strongest wage theft laws in the country, and some of the most powerful remedies for workers who have been shorted.


Frequently Asked Questions

Wage theft covers any time your employer doesn't pay you everything you're legally owed. Common examples include unpaid overtime, missed meal or rest break premiums, off-the-clock work, and illegal deductions from your paycheck.

Most wage theft claims in California generally must be filed within three years of the violation. Because deadlines vary depending on the specific claim, it's best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so you don't lose any recoverable wages.

Think this applies to you?

If your employer has stolen wages from you, our attorneys offer a free case review, you may be owed far more than you realize, including penalties.
Get a Free Case Review

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.