You recently found a new job after a period of time when you were unemployed. At first, you were thrilled to have a source of income again, and you were excited to get started on your new job. This was a change you definitely needed to get your budget back on track.
But then that income did not look quite like you expected. When you got your first paycheck, the total amount you were paid was much lower than you had anticipated. A closer look at the paperwork shows that your boss is just paying you $7.25 per hour, which is the federal minimum wage. Are they allowed to do so?
Minimum wage conflicts
For workers in the private sector, paying the federal minimum wage is typically a violation of their rights. Under California law, the state minimum wage has been set at $16.50 per hour.
When there are conflicts between the state minimum wage and the federal minimum wage, most employees need to be paid the higher amount. So, while $7.25 per hour is in line with federal guidelines, you likely still deserve $16.50 per hour in California.
Not all states have their own minimum wage. When states do not set a minimum wage at all, then they follow the federal guidelines. But because California has approved a higher level of minimum wage, that is the law your employer needs to follow.
Your legal options
If you are experiencing wage and hour violations, such as wage theft, be sure you know exactly what legal options you have at your disposal.