Under California Law, what is Wage Theft

Under California law, “wage theft” refers to any violation of an employee’s rights to receive proper  compensation for their work. It can take many forms and can include a range of practices that result  in employees being paid less than they are owed, including:

1. Failing to pay minimum wage or overtime: Under California law, employers are required to  pay their employees at least the state’s minimum wage, and non-exempt employees must be  paid overtime for any hours worked over 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. 
2. Failing to pay for all hours worked: Employers must pay their employees for all hours worked,  including time spent preparing for work, attending meetings, and waiting for work  assignments. 
3. Misclassifying employees: Employers may improperly classify employees as independent  contractors to avoid paying payroll taxes and providing benefits, which can result in wage  theft. 
4. Failing to provide meal and rest breaks: Employers must provide employees with meal and  rest breaks, and failure to do so can result in wage theft. 
5. Failing to reimburse expenses: Employers must reimburse their employees for any job-related  expenses, such as travel or equipment, and failure to do so can result in wage theft.

Wage theft is illegal and can have serious consequences for employers, including fines, penalties, and  lawsuits. If an employee believes they have been a victim of wage theft, they may wish to consult  with an attorney who specializes in employment law to discuss their legal rights and options.