Legal Question in Employment Law in California

retroactive wage decrease

There are about 100 employees at the company I currently work for. They advised us all on 7/2/09 that our wages will be decreased effective 6/22/09, which would be for the hours we had already worked.

I am a at will employee paid hourly. My co-workers and I feel like we have been taken advantage of and victimized by our employer.

My question, is opening a claim with the Labor Commissioner for that 'back' pay my only option? Would it be feasible to obtain additional compensation for the employers wrong doing in this case?


Asked on 7/08/09, 11:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: retroactive wage decrease

Pay can not be retroactively cut, but can be done 'effective immediately'. If you can not object and solve the problem, yes, you can file with the Labor Commissioner. And yes, you could join with other employees and have an attorney pursue a claim under the Labor Code, which provides for penalties and interest and attorney fees if you win. Enough people together make it worthwhile doing.

If serious about doing either, feel free to contact me for legal help.

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Answered on 7/09/09, 6:15 pm


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