Northridge Wage & Hour Law Attorneys

Advocating for Employees Subject to Wage & Hour Violations in the San Fernando Valley & Beyond

When you accept employment, you expect to be paid fairly and in a timely manner. After all, your job is your livelihood and is meant to provide the financial support you need throughout the month. When an employer fails to pay you according to your written or verbal agreement, you may need to apply certain legal remedies to resolve the dispute.

At K2 Employment Law, our mission is to represent employees who have received illegal or unfair treatment and to apply those legal remedies that will bring you the justice you deserve. Our Northridge wage and hour law attorneys have represented employers in the past; that experience is invaluable when we are forced to hold employers accountable for unlawful conduct against our clients. If you have a wage dispute with your employer, we recommend that you take advantage of our knowledge, legal skills, and strong reputation for yielding results for our clients.

Contact us online or by phone at (800) 590-7674 for a free case evaluation regarding your dispute.

Understanding Wage & Hour Laws in California

California law covers many aspects of wages and hours. Violations of the law can result in various disputes.

California’s wage and hour laws apply to all employees except independent contractors and employees considered exempt under the law, such as executives, administrators, physicians, surgeons, and others.

What Are Wage & Hour Violations?

Employees have the right to file a complaint or sue their employer if they violate the wage and hour laws.

Examples of wage and/or hour disputes can be based on:

• Failing to pay commissions, wages, overtime pay, or vacation time
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
• Tipped employee issues, such as tip “pooling” and withholding tips
• Failing to pay employees who are undocumented workers
• Misclassifying salary employees as overtime exempt
• An employer asking an employee to work “off the clock”
• The employer’s requirement to pay appropriate overtime
• The employer’s requirement to pay the state’s mandated minimum wage
• The employer’s requirement to provide rest breaks and/or meal breaks
• Retaliation
• Violating sick time

Can Your Employer Lower Your Pay Without Notice in California?

In California, an employer generally cannot lower an employee's pay without providing proper notice as outlined by state labor laws. California has stringent regulations to protect employees' rights, including those related to wages and compensation changes. 

Here are key points to consider regarding lowering pay without notice in California:

Notification Requirement:

• California law typically requires employers to provide advance notice to employees before implementing any changes to their pay rates. This notice period allows employees time to adjust to the impending wage adjustments.

Exceptions and Considerations:

• There are exceptions to this rule, such as cases where a collective bargaining agreement exists or if the change is temporary and linked to specific economic conditions.

Legal Compliance:

• Employers in California must adhere to state labor laws, including those related to wage and hour regulations, to ensure they are not in violation of employees' rights.

Employee Rights:

• If an employer lowers an employee's pay without proper notice or justification, the affected employee may have legal options available to challenge the pay reduction and seek remedies for any unlawful actions.

Consultation and Legal Advice:

• Employees who believe their pay has been reduced unfairly or unlawfully should consider seeking guidance from an employment law attorney or contacting the California Labor Commissioner's Office to understand their rights and potential courses of action.

While there are specific circumstances in which an employer may adjust an employee's pay in California, it is crucial for companies to comply with state regulations regarding notification and fairness in wage changes. Employees should be informed of any pay adjustments in advance to maintain transparency and uphold labor standards in the state. 

Common Questions About Wage & Hour Laws in California

What are wage and hour laws?
Wage and hour laws set the rules for employee compensation and working hours, including minimum wage, overtime pay, rest and meal breaks, and proper classification of employees.

Who is protected under California’s wage and hour laws?
Most employees in California are covered by these laws, but exceptions exist for independent contractors and certain exempt employees like executives or professionals.

What are examples of wage and hour violations?
These include unpaid overtime, misclassification of employees, withheld tips, failure to provide required breaks, and asking employees to work off the clock.

Can an employer lower my pay without notice in California?
Employers must provide notice before reducing pay. Changes without proper notice may violate labor laws and could be legally challenged.

What can I do if my employer violates wage and hour laws?
You can file a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner or consult with an employment attorney to explore your legal options and seek appropriate remedies.

Can undocumented workers claim unpaid wages?
Yes, California law protects all workers, regardless of immigration status, ensuring they can claim unpaid wages and report violations.

Why should I consult an attorney for a wage dispute?
An attorney can help assess your case, gather evidence, and ensure you receive the compensation and justice you’re entitled to under the law.

If you have experienced any of the above treatment from your employer, do not hesitate to contact the Northridge wage and hour attorney at K2 Employment Law. We have represented a variety of employees in California, and are prepared to fight to protect your rights. Call us today.