Fast food workers remain a vital part of the restaurant industry in California. However, they might not always receive proper compensation for their work, and a movement exists to increase the minimum wage. Workers may need to understand that even if the law changes, an employer might still not pay them what they owe. In some situations, filing a claim for wages becomes unavoidable.
Minimum wage and fast food workers
In California, some fast food workers may benefit from an increase in the minimum wage to $20 per hour. Only some of them will receive this benefit, as the pinpointed fast food restaurants must operate at least 60 locations nationwide.
Certain political factions are against the minimum wage hike, and some restaurants intend to cut jobs. Still, many workers could benefit from the salary increase, provided management complies with the law.
Dealing with noncompliance
Although state law may establish rules for employers to follow, a business might ignore what the statutes say. Sometimes, an employer might fail to compensate workers for overtime, short them on pay, or pay below the minimum wage. Ignoring rules related to rest breaks and meal times would be another example of violation. Misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor would be another potential violation. Such illicit attempts to save the company money could open legal doors for employees to file wage and hour claims.
Wage and hour claims are subject to a statute of limitations. Therefore, it is essential for those intending to file a claim to take timely steps to assert their rights. Filing a successful claim may result in receiving compensation for monies owed.