Wage & Hour

At the Markarian Law Firm, we understand the importance of fair compensation and adherence to wage and hour laws in the workplace. Our seasoned wage and hour employment attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of employees who have faced violations related to wages, overtime, meal breaks, and more. If you believe you have been subject to unlawful employment practices concerning your compensation, Markarian Law, PC is here to provide expert guidance and fight for justice on your behalf.

Our Approach to Wage and Hour Cases:

• Thorough Legal Understanding: Markarian Law Firm attorneys possess a deep understanding of wage and hour laws, ensuring that we navigate the complexities of your case with precision and effectiveness. We stay current with the latest legal developments to provide you with the best representation.
• Client-Centered Advocacy: Your rights and fair compensation are our top priorities. Throughout the legal process, Markarian Law Firm maintains open communication, keeping you informed and involved. Our client-focused approach ensures that you play an active role in building and pursuing your case.
• Expertise in Various Wage and Hour Issues: Whether your case involves unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, meal and rest break discrepancies, or misclassification, Markarian Law, PC has the expertise to address a wide range of wage and hour disputes.

Understanding Overtime and Wage Rights in California:

Many laws ensure fair compensation and working conditions for employees. These laws, known as wage and hour regulations, protect workers from a variety of unfair practices, including:

• Not paying the minimum wage or overtime wages correctly.
• Failing to provide required breaks or meal periods.
• Misclassifying employees as exempt from overtime pay or workers’ compensation benefits.
• Withholding earned wages, bonuses, or benefits.

It’s important to be aware of your rights and protections under these laws. While this list highlights some common violations, it’s not exhaustive. If you suspect your employer is engaging in unfair practices regarding your wages, hours, or breaks, it’s crucial to seek information and potentially discuss your concerns with an experienced employment law firm like Markarian Law, PC.

Key points to remember:

• Every employee deserves fair compensation and working conditions.
• Numerous laws and regulations protect employees from wage and hour violations.
• If you think your rights are being violated, do not hesitate to seek information and consider legal advice. Consulting with experienced wage and hour lawyers of the Markarian Law Firm at 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274) can empower you to assess your situation and explore potential legal remedies.

Are you unsure if you’re receiving proper overtime pay or minimum wage? California has various laws protecting employees’ rights when it comes to wages and hours. Here’s a breakdown of key points:

Overtime Pay:

• Covered employees: Anyone not classified as exempt (typically executive, administrative, or professional) must receive overtime pay for working over 40 hours in a week, over 8 hours in a day, or over 6 consecutive days in a week.
• Overtime rate: Time and a half (1.5x) your regular hourly rate.
• Double time: Earned for exceeding 12 hours in a workday or 8 hours on the seventh workday.

Wage Requirements:

• Minimum wage: $16.00 per hour in California (2024).
• Tip deductions: Prohibited. All wages, including tips, must be paid to the employee.
• Paychecks: Issued twice monthly, with overtime paid on the second regular paycheck after it’s earned.
• Wage statements: Provided with each paycheck, detailing gross and net wages, deductions, hourly rates, and hours worked. Employers must keep these for 3 years.

Not entitled to overtime:

• Exempt employees (check job duties and salary requirements).
• Outside salespeople meeting specific conditions.
• Unionized employees under certain collective bargaining agreements.
• Workers in specific occupations with separate overtime rules (consult the Department of Labor).
• Independent contractors.
• Employees with an alternative workweek schedule agreement.

Remember:

• These are general guidelines. Each situation is unique.
• Seek advice from a qualified employment attorney or the Department of Labor for specific questions or concerns regarding your situation.
• Resources are available to help you understand your rights and explore potential legal options if you believe your employer has violated wage and hour laws. Consulting with experienced wage and hour lawyers of the Markarian Law Firm at 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274) can empower you to assess your situation and explore potential legal remedies.

Navigating California Wage and Hour Laws:

California has implemented a range of laws to ensure equitable compensation and favorable working conditions for employees. If you harbor suspicions that your employer might be in breach of these regulations, it is crucial to be aware of your rights and consider potential courses of action.

Key Aspects:

• Minimum wage: $16.00 per hour in 2024 (excluding certain local variations).
• Overtime: One and a half times (1.5x) your regular hourly rate for surpassing 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Double time for exceeding 12 hours in a day or working 8 hours on your 7th consecutive workday.
• Meal and rest breaks: Mandatory for most employees after specific durations of work.
• Misclassification: Employers are prohibited from classifying employees as exempt from overtime or minimum wage to evade legal responsibilities.

Common Violations of Wage and Hour Laws:

• Unpaid overtime or minimum wage.
• Withholding meal or rest breaks.
• Failure to reimburse work-related travel time.
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors.

What to Do if You Suspect a Violation:

• Accumulate information: Keep track of your work hours, paystubs, and any communication with your employer related to wages and breaks.
• Consult the California Department of Industrial Relations: They offer official guidelines and resources for resolving wage and hour disputes.
• Seek legal counsel: An employment attorney specializing in wage and hour law can evaluate your situation and provide advice on available options. Consulting with experienced wage and hour lawyers of the Markarian Law Firm at 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274) can empower you to assess your situation and explore potential legal remedies.

Understanding Wage Theft In California:

California has robust measures in place to protect both hourly and salaried workers, ensuring they receive proper payment for their hours worked, including regular compensation, overtime, bonuses, and sales commissions.

Wage theft encompasses various aspects of the employer-employee relationship where the employee is not duly compensated for their working hours. This can manifest in different ways, such as when an employer:

Neglects to compensate for off-the-clock work

Requires employees to work during breaks

• Does not pay at least minimum wage to employees
• Falsifies time clocks or pay stubs
• Withholds tips earned by employees
• Denies entitled bonuses to employees
• Fails to pay commissions to salespersons
• Misclassifies individuals as contractors instead of employees
• Illegally deducts money from employees’ paychecks
• Refuses payment to an employee who resigned or was terminated

Millions of dollars are unlawfully taken from California’s employees each year through wage theft, affecting workers across various industries, from retail workers to healthcare agriculture workers to wait staff, and many more.

If you have been denied overtime or faced improper payment, you may have the option to file an individual or collective action lawsuit on behalf of yourself and fellow employees. You have the right to be compensated for all your hours worked. Victims of wage theft in California can seek assistance from Markarian Law Firm unpaid wages attorneys or overtime lawyers by calling 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274), who can expose these violations and guide employees through the process of filing a wage claim.

No Fee Unless We Win Guaranteed:

Our employment law firm operates on a contingency fee basis when representing victims of wage theft. This means clients do not bear any out-of-pocket expenses and are not responsible for attorney fees unless the case is won or settled. If the case does not result in recovery, the client incurs no attorney fees. Consulting with experienced wage and hour lawyers of the Markarian Law Firm at 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274) can empower you to assess your situation and explore potential legal remedies – and the best part is it won’t cost you anything unless we win!