When you go to work, you have the right to expect to receive fair pay for the hours you worked. You deserve your rightful hourly wage, overtime for any hours you worked over 40 per week, and you have a right to other benefits as an hourly employee. Additionally, you have the right to know exactly what you are getting paid. You should also receive a pay stub that outlines the exact calculation of your paycheck. Failure to provide you with this information is not only frustrating for you, but it could be a violation of your employment rights.
A pay stub helps you know not only what you should be receiving from your employer, but it should also itemize withholdings. It is important that you know how to read your pay stub so that you can know if there is an issue. You have the right to speak up if you are experiencing any problem related to wage and hour laws or other employment law matter.
The details of your pay statement
As an employee, your statement is how you know if you are getting paid the right amount for each hour you work. This document is also crucial if you are applying for a loan as this is how you prove that you have regular income. Not only is this a way for your employer to be transparent with you, but it is also a legal requirement to provide this document to employees. Depending on the details of your job and other factors, pay stubs often contain the following details:
- Pay rate and the number of hours worked
- Gross pay before taxes or deductions
- Start and end of the pay period
- Taxes paid by the employees
- Taxes and contributions paid by the employer
- Paid time off
- Wage garnishments
- Net pay
If there are any discrepancies in your pay statement, you have the right to ask your California employer for clarification about any problems you see in this document.
Protecting your rights
You have rights as an employee. If you believe that you are experiencing a violation of your rights or that your employer is acting in a way that is illegal or inappropriate, you may benefit from an opinion regarding the legal options available to you. It may be an option for you to pursue a civil claim against your employer, seeking unpaid wages and damages owed to you.