California Wage and Hour Attorney

Unpaid Overtime

Overtime disputes frequently arise when employers:

• Require off-the-clock work
• Miscalculate overtime rates
• Misclassify workers as exempt
• Automatically deduct time
• Fail to record all hours worked

Employees can review California overtime requirements through the California Department of Industrial Relations.

Meal and Rest Break Violations

California generally requires employers to provide qualifying meal periods and paid rest breaks.

When employers fail to provide legally required breaks, employees may be entitled to premium pay under California law.

The state explains these requirements through its meal period and rest break guidance.

Employee Misclassification

Some workers are incorrectly classified as:

• Independent contractors
• Exempt salaried employees
• Managers or supervisors

Misclassification can affect overtime eligibility, benefits, reimbursements, and other workplace protections.

California’s worker classification standards are addressed in Labor Code section 2775, commonly associated with the ABC Test.

Unpaid Business Expenses

California employers may be required to reimburse employees for necessary business expenses.

Examples may include:

• Work-related mileage
• Required phone usage
• Internet expenses
• Tools and equipment
• Travel expenses

California reimbursement obligations are outlined in Labor Code section 2802.

Final Paycheck Violations

When employment ends, California law imposes deadlines for final wage payments.

The California Labor Commissioner’s Office explains that employees may be entitled to waiting time penalties when employers fail to timely provide final wages under California waiting time penalty rules.