Is it illegal to withhold wages?

In California, it is illegal to withhold wages. This means employers are not allowed to withhold any money from an employee’s paychecks, unless it is required by law or with the employee’s express written consent. It is also illegal to take back pay after it has been paid out. Under California labor law, employers are required to pay employees for all hours worked and at the rate promised. An employer must also pay employees all wages due within certain time frames. This includes wages being paid out within the time frame required by California law, which is either immediately upon termination or within 72 hours of an employee’s last day of work. It is important for employers to remember that failing to pay an employee for all hours worked or for withholding wages when it is not allowed is illegal. It can lead to hefty penalties, fines, and even jail time for the employer. If an employee believes their wages were not properly paid, they can file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner. A California Labor Commissioner will investigate the claim and if they find the employer guilty, they can order the employer to pay back wages and any other fees associated with the claim.

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