Wage theft is a serious violation of labor law. It can hurt the livelihoods of workers in California if left unchecked.
If you suspect that you are a victim of wage theft, you can take action. It is important to keep some key points in mind to help with your report.
Be thorough when reporting wage theft
You can report wage theft to the California Labor Commissioner’s Office or to the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. If you decide to take action, remember the following:
- Evidence is key: When filing a wage theft report, it can be helpful to provide thorough and complete documentation of what it is you are trying to call attention to. Try to get copies of pay stubs, time sheets and other documents that could back your case. Descriptions of the violations you are trying to point out could also be useful.
- Collaboration helps: Your co-workers may also be struggling with wage theft. If you have colleagues that you can trust, it may be helpful to seek their support if you plan on filing a report. This way, you can document their experiences and provide more evidence.
If your report gains traction and is successful, you may be able to reclaim your unpaid wages.
While it can be intimidating to take action, you should know that it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting wage theft.
It is against the law for your employer to withhold or refuse to pay your wages for unlawful reasons. However, you can be proactive when it comes to standing up for you and your fellow workers’ rights.