The California Legislature enacted the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (PAGA) to enhance compliance with state labor laws. This act empowers aggrieved employees to file lawsuits and recover civil penalties for themselves, fellow employees, and the State of California for Labor Code violations. PAGA serves as a powerful tool for holding employers accountable and promoting fair labor practices within the state. If you have PAGA claims, seeking compensation through court litigation might be lengthy and costly. That is why we offer PAGA mediation services at Blue Sky Mediation Center. Let us help you reach an agreement today.
Violations You Can Pursue Through PAGA Claim in Orange County
Employees in Orange County can pursue a PAGA claim for various labor law violations. These include:
- Violations of the California Labor Codethat are explicitly listed in the statute: These violations encompass a wide range of issues, including failure to provide proper meal and rest breaks, unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, and improper wage statements or recordkeeping practices.
- Violations of California’s health and safety regulations: PAGA allows employees to seek remedies for violating the state’s health and safety regulations designed to protect workers from hazardous working conditions and ensure a safe and secure work environment.
- Any other violation of California’s labor laws: PAGA’s broad scope extends beyond the specific provisions outlined in the statute, enabling employees to pursue claims for any violation of California’s labor laws. This flexibility ensures that employees have a comprehensive legal avenue to address various labor law violations.
Penalties You Can Recover From PAGA Negotiations
Successful PAGA negotiations can result in the recovery of substantial civil penalties for aggrieved employees. The specific penalties will vary depending on the nature of the violations and the number of affected employees, but may generally include:
- Statutory penalties: PAGA imposes statutory penalties for certain labor code violations, such as failure to provide proper wage statements or maintain accurate payroll records. These penalties can accumulate quickly, especially in cases involving larger workforces.
- Civil penalties: In addition to statutory penalties, PAGA allows for the recovery of civil penalties for labor code violations. These penalties are calculated based on the severity and duration of the violation and can be substantial, particularly in cases involving systemic or widespread violations.
- Attorney’s fees and costs: Successful PAGA claimants may also be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses associated with the litigation or negotiation process. This provision helps ensure that employees have access to legal representation without the financial burden of covering legal expenses out-of-pocket.
- Interest: In certain cases, employees may be able to recover interest on any unpaid wages or penalties owed by the employer, further compensating them for the financial impact of the labor law violations.
Why Choose Blue Sky Mediation?
Blue Sky Mediation Center offers trusted and experienced mediators in Orange County who are dedicated to resolving PAGA claims fairly and efficiently. Here are a few reasons why you should consider choosing our services:
- Expertise: Our team of mediators possesses extensive knowledge and experience in handling PAGA claims, ensuring that your case receives the attention and expertise it deserves. We bring over a decade of experience to the table.
- Neutrality: As impartial third parties, our mediators facilitate negotiations without taking sides, ensuring a fair and unbiased process for all parties involved. No one will feel hard done by our negotiation process.
- Cost-effective resolution: Mediation often proves to be a more cost-effective alternative to prolonged litigation. This saves both employers and employees valuable time and resources.
- Confidentiality: Blue Sky Mediation Center respects the confidentiality of all parties involved in the mediation process, allowing for open and candid discussions without fear of public disclosure.
We also focus on the following practice areas in Orange County:
Let Our Experienced Orange County Mediator Help You
Navigating PAGA claims can be quite challenging, but with the assistance of a skilled mediator, both employees and employers can reach mutually agreeable resolutions. Blue Sky Mediation Center in Orange County stands ready to facilitate these negotiations, leveraging our expertise and commitment to fairness. If you are an aggrieved employee or an employer facing a PAGA claim, contact our Orange County PAGA claims mediator at Blue Sky Mediation Center at 213-376-4130 to explore your options and take the first step towards a successful resolution. Let’s get you the help you need.
