Fresno Wage & Hour Class Action Lawyer: PAGA & Unpaid Overtime Lawsuits
If you and your co-workers have been illegally denied wages, overtime, or missed meal and rest breaks by your employer in Fresno County, a Wage and Hour Class Action or a Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) lawsuit may be the most effective way to recover your losses. This is often an aggressive way to pursue unpaid wages.
Are You Eligible for a Wage & Hour Class Action Lawsuit?
Many California employers violate the law in systematic ways that affect dozens or hundreds of employees. We specialize in investigating and litigating large-scale claims for:
- Unpaid Overtime: Misclassification of employees as "exempt" or independent contractors to avoid paying overtime.
- Missed Meal & Rest Periods: Requiring employees to work through their legally mandated 30-minute meal period or 10-minute rest period without penalty pay.
- Unpaid "Off-the-Clock" Work: Requiring work duties before clocking in (e.g., security checks, set-up time) or after clocking out.
- Final Pay Penalties: Failing to pay all wages due immediately upon termination or layoff (a form of wrongful termination if retaliatory).
What is a PAGA Lawsuit and Why Does it Matter?
The Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) allows employees to act on behalf of the State of California to recover civil penalties from their employer for Labor Code violations. PAGA claims are powerful because they:
- Bypass Arbitration: PAGA is often a way to bypass mandatory arbitration agreements, allowing the case to be heard in court.
- Increase Damages: It adds state penalties to the individual compensation owed, significantly increasing the potential recovery for all affected employees.
Case Example
Our firm has successfully litigated complex wage and hour claims against large corporations in the Central Valley, recovering millions of dollars for employees who were denied proper overtime and break pay. We use detailed payroll audits and employee interviews to prove a systematic pattern of abuse.
Start Your Confidential Review
If you suspect your current or former employer is violating the wage and hour rights of multiple employees, you may have a PAGA or class action case. Contact an experienced Fresno PAGA and class action attorney for a free, confidential case review.
Call us today at (818) 783-7300.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) and how does it relate to class actions?
What is the difference between FMLA and CFRA?
Can I be fired while on FMLA or CFRA leave?
Our Firm: No Upfront Fees or Costs
Contingency Fee Representation
All employment cases for employees are taken on a contingency basis. We are only paid a fee when and if we win your case, and we advance all litigation costs. Our goal is to make expert legal representation accessible to every hardworking employee.
Serving Fresno County
We have proudly served all of Fresno County since 1993.
The Employment Lawyers Group has successfully handled
2,000+
Separate California Employment Cases
Media Engagements
Practice Areas
Discrimination
Age, Disability, FMLA/CFRA, Gender, National Origin, Pregnancy, Race, and Sexual Orientation discrimination claims.
Unpaid Wages & Overtime
Recovering earnings for overtime, bonuses, commissions, meal & rest break violations, and prevailing wage claims.
Sexual Harassment
Compassionate and effective representation for sexual harassment and hostile work environment claims.
Wrongful Termination
Representing employees terminated in violation of public policy, contracts, or California and federal law.
Leaves & Retaliation
Protecting employees who face adverse actions after reporting illegal activity or taking protected medical leave.
Whistleblowers
Advocating for employees who report fraud, waste, or abuse under California and federal whistleblower protection laws.
Our California Locations
Bakersfield
5401 Business Park S, #214,
Bakersfield CA 93309
Sacramento
777 Campus Commons Rd, #200,
Sacramento CA 95825
San Francisco / Bay Area
524 Union St, #400,
San Francisco CA 94133
San Jose / Silicon Valley
111 N. Market St, #300,
San Jose CA 95113
Torrance / South Bay
3655 Torrance Blvd, 3rd Floor,
Torrance CA 90503
Additional Sites
About Firm Founder, Karl Gerber
Firm Founder, Karl Gerber, has been an employment and wrongful termination attorney since 1993. He has represented a wide range of employees throughout California.
Mr. Gerber has won 51 of the binding arbitrations and jury trials he first chaired, and a number of his appeals are published. This deep trial experience is the foundation of the firm's strategic approach to litigation.
The employment attorneys employed by the Employment Lawyers Group have worked at the firm well in excess of five years, have also tried many different labor cases, and have all been extensively trained on employment and wrongful termination law by Karl Gerber.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Your rights as an employee matter. Contact us for a free, confidential case review.
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