Modern technology has changed the way that most people in this country live, work and do business -- but tech is also a double-edged sword that can end up being used to cheat workers out of their hard-earned wages. Consider, for example, the process of time clock...
Wage And Hour Claims
Employees: Don’t let yourselves be underpaid
Did you know that it’s common for certain kinds of employers to underpay their employees? There are a few reasons why employees are underpaid. For example, an employee who has a fear of asking for a raise may not be able to negotiate for a fair wage. Some people fail...
Many restaurants profit from stealing their workers’ wages
You've finished cashing out your final tables for the night, and the flow of customers in to the restaurant where you work has begun to slow down. Your boss tells you it's time to clock out, which you do. Then, he tells you to roll silverware for half an hour so that...
McDonald’s on the hook for California wage claim settlement
The McDonald’s corporation is paying $26 million to workers as part of a settlement that’s based on claims of workers at corporate restaurants not being paid what they were due. The lawsuit began in 2013 and alleges that the employees didn’t get paid for overtime and...
Can your boss take a share of your pooled tips each shift?
As an hourly worker in a service position who receives gratuities, you work hard to please your customers in order to maximize your income during any given shift. The better your work, in theory, the better your compensation for the day. Some restaurants or bars will...
Know the wage laws that apply in California
People who work for an employer have the right to get paid what they are due. Federal and California laws set specific standards for these individuals. It’s imperative that you know what you should be paid so that you can ensure it happens. If you aren’t paid what you...
Are you required to work off the clock?
As an employee, you expect to receive compensation for every hour you work. Furthermore, you hope that your employer never puts you in the compromising position of asking you to work off the clock. Working off the clock is exactly what it sounds like: You perform...
Are meal breaks supposed to be paid?
In 20 states, there are laws regarding required meal breaks. California is one of those states. For most people, it’s normal to have a 30-minute break in the middle of the work day. Some individuals are exempted from mealtime breaks, such as professional employees,...
Is tip pooling legal?
Tip pooling is the process of gathering all the tips from employees who earned them, combining that money, and then redistributing it. Typically, the distribution means everyone gets an equal amount, even if they earned different amounts. For instance, Employee A...
Trying to avoid paying overtime?
There are a couple of different types of common employee misclassifications. Far too often employers will misclassify workers as independent contractors rather than employees. In that way, employers try to dodge paying California unemployment taxes and covering them...