Protect Your Workplace Rights Under California’s PAGA Laws

Learn how to take action when your employer violates labor laws. California law provides strong protections for employees like you through the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). This law allows workers to hold employers accountable when they break the rules—whether it’s failing to pay proper wages, denying rest breaks, or any other violation of the California Labor Code.

At WorkRight Law, we are here to fight for you when employers disregard their obligations. Below, we’ll explain what PAGA is, how it works, and how we can help you take action to protect your rights and the rights of your coworkers.

What Is PAGA?

PAGA empowers employees to act as “private attorneys general,” enforcing California labor laws when state agencies don’t have the resources to investigate. Under PAGA:

• You can seek penalties on behalf of yourself, your coworkers, and the State of California.

• Employers may be penalized for violating labor laws, including unpaid wages, meal and rest break violations, wage statement errors, or failing to reimburse work expenses.

These penalties don’t just help employees—they also discourage companies from repeating these unlawful practices.

What Are Common PAGA Violations?

Your employer could be violating the law if:

• You’re not getting your full wages: This includes unpaid overtime or minimum wage.

• Your paystubs are inaccurate: Missing information like hours worked or hourly rates.

• You’re forced to skip breaks: Meal and rest breaks are your right under the law.

• You’re not reimbursed for work-related expenses: Gas, uniforms, or tools should not come out of your pocket.

• You’re misclassified as an independent contractor: This tactic is often used to avoid paying benefits or overtime.

Why File a PAGA Claim?

Filing a PAGA claim isn’t just about protecting your rights—it’s about standing up for all employees. When you file:

• You can recover penalties for labor law violations for yourself and coworkers.

• 65% of the penalties go to the State of California, while 35% goes to the affected employees.

• You cannot waive your PAGA rights, even if you signed an arbitration agreement.

Important Deadlines for PAGA Claims

To file a PAGA claim, you must act quickly:

1. You have 1 year from the date of the labor violation to file a claim with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA).

2. Once filed, the LWDA has 65 days to decide whether to investigate or allow you to move forward with the claim.

Don’t wait too long—missing these deadlines could mean losing your chance to take action.

Legal Citations You Should Know

• California Labor Code § 2698-2699.5: The Private Attorneys General Act statutes.

• California Labor Code § 226: Wage statement requirements.

• California Labor Code § 512: Meal and rest break rights.

These laws exist to protect workers like you from exploitation.

How WorkRight Law Can Help You

At WorkRight Law, we’ve spent nearly two decades fighting for employees who’ve been wronged by their employers. We understand the challenges you face and will aggressively advocate for your rights.

Here’s how we’ll help:

• Free Consultations: We’ll review your situation at no cost.

• Thorough Investigations: We’ll determine if your employer violated California’s labor laws.

• No Fees Unless We Win: You don’t pay unless we recover money for you.

You don’t have to face this alone. We’ll stand by you every step of the way.

Have questions about PAGA or think your rights are being violated? Contact us today to learn more about your options and how to protect your rights.

Your workplace rights matter. Let WorkRight Law fight for you.