Employees across the state work hard to make a living, and there are many employers that are fair, just, and pay for those hours. There are some employers, however, who do not properly pay wages and/or overtime compensation. This can cause a great deal of stress, financial hardship, and a buildup of animosity. Employees often wonder what will happen if they complain about unpaid wages or overtime. They fear termination or other retaliation. Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. can provide an employment lawyer in North Hollywood to help workers who are trying to collect unpaid wages they are rightfully owed. It can also provide an employment lawyer in North Hollywood to help employers understand and comply with California’s employment laws. Let’s take a closer look at this issue.

What are the rates for minimum wages and overtime in California?

While the state’s labor laws do change from time to time, currently, minimum wage is $15 per hour for employers with 26 or more workers and $14 per hour for employers with 25 or less.

Generally speaking employers are required to pay overtime compensation as follows: “One and one-half times the employee’s regular rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of eight hours up to and including 12 hours in any workday, and for the first eight hours worked on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek; and double the employee’s regular rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 12 hours in any workday and for all hours worked in excess of eight on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek.” For more information, check out California Department of Industrial Relation’s website

Non-exempt employees in the North Hollywood area that have met this description and have not been compensated may benefit from consulting an employment lawyer in North Hollywood, like the Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C.

Afraid to complain due to possible retaliation?

Those who depend on their jobs to pay for the necessities of life, like food, shelter, and transportation, may fear complaining to a boss or other higher-up about unpaid wages and overtime. These folks should know, however, that California state laws protect employees from employer retaliation when a wage claim is filed.

How can an employment lawyer in North Hollywood help?

State and federal employment laws applicable to California employees can be confusing, especially since they change so often. These laws can be found in many different statutes (and the cases interpreting them) including, to name a few:

• the California Constitution

• the California Labor Code

• the California Government Code

• the Fair Labor Standards Act

• the California Family Rights Act

• …and many more. Visit this page on our website for more information.

With so many variables at play, employers sometimes break the laws simply because they are not even aware of their legal obligations. Foe employers in the North Hollywood area, engaging an employment lawyer in North Hollywood can provide clarity and avoid problems down the road. Most employers do want to be fair – but they struggle to know and understand their obligations.

Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C can help

Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C can offer the services of an experienced employment lawyer in North Hollywood and elsewhere in Southern California. We are here to help employees and employers understand California employment law, and work towards fair and timely resolutions. Our offices are in Los Angeles, but we serve Glendale, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and all of Southern California. We pride ourselves on top notch customer service.

When asking the question, “can I be fired for complaining about unpaid wages?” turn to Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. for answers about your specific case. We work on a contingency basis, so you never have to worry about upfront legal fees. Contact us today to learn more.