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We have handled many cases involving claims for unpaid wages. In Oakland employees must be paid for all time worked. This applies to work carried out by employees before or after a shift, or any work done “off-the-clock” and not included in the time records. Furthermore, an employee is entitled to time-and-a half pay for hours worked over eight hours in any workday, and over 40 hours in a workweek.
Matern Law Group has handled many cases involving claims for unpaid wages. Our Oakland wage theft lawyers hold employers accountable and strive to recover what you’re rightfully owed. Whether you have a case of missed wages, misclassification, or improper deductions, we take a strategic, compassionate approach to your case.
Our team of Oakland wage and hour lawyers possesses extensive knowledge and experience in California labor law and a strong track record of success. We’re here to stand up for your rights. And, unless you win, we don’t charge.
If your Oakland employer has denied you required breaks or failed to comply with workplace protections, you may have a legal case.Fill out our contact form or call us today for a free consultation to learn more about your rights.
Commission-based employees are a major part of Oakland’s workforce, particularly in sales, hospitality, and service industries. Unfortunately, employers sometimes manipulate commission structures or fail to pay all earned commissions on time. California law requires that commissions be paid in accordance with written agreements that specify how the commissions were calculated, and that they appear clearly on wage statements. When hour disputes arise over commissions, workers often need guidance from a skilled lawyer who understands the complexities of wage and hour regulations.
If you believe your commissions have been underpaid or withheld, keep copies of your sales records, contracts, and pay stubs. This evidence can strengthen your case. Don’t wait – contact a qualified attorney to evaluate your options and pursue fair compensation.
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California’s Equal Pay Act mandates that men and women performing substantially similar work receive equal compensation. Despite this, wage gaps persist. Employers may attempt to justify disparities with vague claims about performance or seniority, but unless those reasons are legitimate, they may be in violation of the law.
Disparities often become clear when reviewing wages hours records across employees in similar roles. If patterns suggest systemic discrimination, employees may have grounds for legal action. By working with experienced attorneys, you can assess whether the differences in pay are legally justified or if your rights are being violated. Contact an employment lawyer today to understand your legal options.
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Gender-based wage gaps remain an issue across industries, even though state and federal laws prohibit them. Women, particularly women of color, are disproportionately affected by unequal pay practices. California’s overtime laws and wage protections are designed to reduce these disparities, but employers who ignore the law can still perpetuate unfair pay.
Employees should review pay data and job duties compared to colleagues of different genders to spot discrepancies. If you suspect a gender-based gap, it is important to contact a lawyer promptly. Skilled attorneys can help determine whether you have a case and, if necessary, pursue a claim for damages.
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One of the most common wage theft tactics is misclassifying employees as independent contractors or as exempt from overtime laws. This allows employers to avoid paying proper overtime and/or benefits and providing proper meal and rest breaks. Under California wage standards, many workers who are misclassified still qualify for overtime, meal and rest breaks, and reimbursement of expenses.
Misclassification can also deprive workers of critical workplace protections. If you suspect that your classification is inaccurate, review your job duties and compare them with the state’s criteria for exemption. A knowledgeable lawyer can evaluate your position and determine whether your employer is misclassifying you. Don’t delay—contact legal counsel to protect your pay.
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Many wage theft cases involve employees being pressured to work before clocking in, after clocking out, or during unpaid breaks. These practices are unlawful. Under California law, all hours worked must be compensated, regardless of when the task occurs.
Off-the-clock claims often overlap with wage and hour disputes, particularly in industries where managers expect workers to perform prep or cleanup duties without pay. Workers should document every hour (or fraction thereof) of uncompensated work. By presenting this evidence, a lawyer can demand back pay and penalties. If your employer is engaging in this behavior, contact an attorney to protect your rights.
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Overtime pay and mandated breaks are some of the most frequently violated labor rights. California’s overtime laws entitle employees to time-and-a-half after eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, and double pay after 12 hours in a day or for all hours worked after eight hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek. In addition, employees are entitled to unpaid meal periods and paid rest breaks during shifts.
Employers who deny or interrupt these breaks or cause employees to take these breaks later than mandated under California law must compensate workers with additional pay. If you’re regularly required to skip breaks or work excessive hours without overtime, you may have a claim. Contact an experienced lawyer to review your case and determine the best course of action.
Failure to pay overtime is one of the clearest forms of wage theft. Workers who put in extra hours deserve to be compensated fairly. Some employers manipulate timecards, classify overtime as “bonuses,” or mislabel employees as exempt to avoid paying. These practices violate California’s labor code.
To protect yourself, maintain your own record of hours worked. Discrepancies between your records and your pay stubs may indicate unlawful practices. Skilled overtime wage theft & unlawful pay lawyers can help you recover unpaid wages and penalties. Don’t wait—contact a professional today to secure the compensation you’ve earned.
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In restaurants, bars, and hospitality, tips are a vital part of income. While tip pooling is legal under California law, employers cannot use it to withhold wages or include managers and supervisors in the pool. Violations occur when workers are denied their full share of gratuities or are forced to share with ineligible staff.
Employees should track their tips and compare them with reported pay. If discrepancies arise, it may signal unfair practices. Speaking with a lawyer ensures that your rights are upheld. Don’t hesitate to contact an attorney if you believe your tips are being mishandled.
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One of the most direct forms of wage theft is simply failing to pay workers what they are owed. Whether through bounced paychecks, delayed payments, or outright refusal, unpaid wages are a violation of both state and federal law.
When wages are stolen, workers can file claims with the Labor Commissioner or pursue litigation in court. Remedies may include back pay, penalties, and sometimes attorney’s fees. If your employer has failed to pay your earnings, gather your records and contact a lawyer to explore your legal options.
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In California, earned vacation time is considered wages and cannot be taken away once accrued. However, many employers attempt to impose “use it or lose it” policies or fail to pay out unused vacation at the time of termination. These practices are unlawful.
If your accrued vacation pay has been denied, it may be time to contact legal counsel. A skilled lawyer can review your pay records, employment policies, and help ensure that you recover the full amount owed. Protect your rights by challenging vacation pay violations promptly.
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Broader wage gaps across industries persist despite strict legal protections. These disparities may stem from systemic issues, such as discriminatory pay practices or unfair promotion policies. Identifying and addressing wage gaps requires reviewing wages, hours, job duties, and compensation records across multiple employees.
When disparities cannot be explained by legitimate factors, legal remedies may be available. Attorneys can evaluate whether your situation falls within the protections of California’s Equal Pay Act or federal labor laws. If so, they can pursue damages and policy changes. If you suspect a wage gap, don’t delay—contact an experienced lawyer for guidance.
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Oakland workers are protected by some of the strongest labor laws in the country, but those protections are only meaningful if enforced. From commission pay disputes to unpaid overtime, employers often cut corners at the expense of their employees. By recognizing wage theft and taking action, workers can recover what they’ve earned and prevent future exploitation.You deserve fair pay for your work.
If your employer has violated wage and hour laws, our experienced Oakland employment lawyers are here to help. Matern Law Group offers free consultations and only charges if we win your case. Contact us today to get the compensation you deserve.
Our Practices are Guided by Integrity. We’ll protect what you deserve.
We work tirelessly and fight tenaciously to hold rights abusers accountable.
If you’ve experienced a distressing incident related to an issue like this, call us for a free case evaluation.
Legal cases can be lengthy, complicated, and confusing. We understand how difficult it is for an individual to navigate the California courts and legal system to redress violations faced at work. That’s why our experienced Oakland overtime, wage theft, and unlawful pay lawyers will be your partners so you don’t have to take on the system all by yourself. We take the time to understand your predicament, do the legwork to investigate your employer, gather all the necessary information, and advocate for you tirelessly.
If you believe someone has violated your individual rights or the rights of a group of people in your community, we can help you find the right course of action. Our team of Oakland overtime, wage theft, and unlawful pay lawyers will help you understand your rights and take action. At Matern Law Group, we believe in neighbors helping neighbors. Let us put our legal knowledge and experience to work on your behalf.
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