The Wage Justice Scale: A Sliding Scale of Action

Think of this as your Wage Justice Scale—from minor mix-ups to major violations, here’s how to escalate your approach based on the severity of your situation.

Level 1 - Paycheck Check-Up

Before jumping to conclusions, start with the basics. California’s minimum wage is always changing, and depending on where you work, you might be entitled to more than the statewide minimum. As of 2025, it’s $16.00 per hour statewide, but cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles set their own rates, which can be even higher.

Double-check your hourly rate, hours worked, and any deductions on your paycheck. If you spot an issue, don’t panic—sometimes it’s just a clerical error.

Level 2 - The Pay Stub Audit

Now that you’ve reviewed your pay, let’s dig deeper. Your pay stub is your proof. Ask yourself:

• Does my hourly wage match my city or county’s minimum wage?
• Are my hours correct, including overtime?
• Is my employer deducting things they shouldn’t (like uniforms or register shortages)?

Level 3 - Employer Talk (a.k.a. Give Them a Chance to Fix It)

If you see an error, start by talking to your employer. Approach them with a professional but firm tone, something like:

“Hey [Manager’s Name], I noticed my hourly wage isn’t lining up with the current minimum wage for our area. Can we take a look at this together?”

If they brush you off or give you the runaround, follow up with an email. This creates a paper trail in case you need to escalate later.

Level 4 - Legal Action with Frontier Law Center

If your employer refuses to correct your wages, don’t waste time—let’s take action. At Frontier Law Center, we specialize in helping workers like you recover the pay they’ve rightfully earned.

Here’s how we can assist you:

• Review your case for free – We’ll analyze your pay stubs, hours worked, and any documentation you have.
• File a legal claim on your behalf – If we take your case, we handle all the paperwork and legal filings, ensuring your case is airtight.
• Negotiate for maximum recovery – We push for back pay, penalties, and any additional compensation you’re entitled to.

Level 5 - Employer Retaliation (Time to Go Full Legal Mode)

If your employer suddenly starts cutting your hours, treating you differently, or even fires you after bringing up wage concerns—this is illegal retaliation, and you don’t have to put up with it.

At Frontier Law Center, we don’t just help recover lost wages—we also protect workers from unfair treatment. Our legal team will:

• Fight to help you receive back pay plus penalties for any labor law violations.
• Fight against retaliation, whether it’s wrongful termination, demotion, or harassment.
• Handle the legal processes, so you don’t have to stress over deadlines or employer intimidation.

You’ve worked hard for your paycheck, and you deserve to be paid fairly. If your employer refuses to do the right thing, we’re here to make sure justice is served. Call us today for a free consultation and let’s get you the pay you’re owed.

Conclusion:

Nobody likes fighting for what they’ve already earned, but if your employer isn’t paying you fairly, you need to take action. California has some of the strongest labor protections in the country, so don’t let an underpayment slide.

Use the Wage Justice Scale to gauge your next move—whether it’s a simple conversation or a full legal claim. If things get tricky, reach out for legal help. You worked for that money—make sure you get every dollar you’re owed.