So much for that old adage “Go West Young Man”. In these tough economic times, some Californians may be thinking about moving elsewhere, particularly when employers are cutting back on payroll by various means such as implementing furloughs, or not paying overtime. If this has happened to you, the boss may be violating the California Labor Law.
You’ve got two options: either contact the California Labor Board or seek help from a California labor law attorney. “How the heck can I afford an attorney?” you are likely asking, especially when your paycheck has just been slashed. Of course the California labor board gives free advice and that may be a good place to start, but it generally handles cases below $7500 and it doesn’t even attempt to recover the 4th year of California overtime pay under the California Unfair Competition Statute.
A lawyer, on the other hand, will seek to recover up to 4 years of California overtime pay for their clients. And increasingly, many California labor law attorneys work on a contingency basis—meaning you only pay legal fees if your case has been successfully litigated by the lawyer on your behalf. So what are you waiting for? Get all your ducks in a row; get your paperwork together and call a lawyer.