Key California Provisions: Cal. Lab. Code § 510 (daily overtime over 8h, double time over 12h), § 203 (waiting time penalties up to 30 days), and § 226.7 (meal/rest break premiums).
Official Claim Route: Form DLSE 1
California employees can file an online or paper wage claim (Initial Report or Claim - Form DLSE 1) with their regional district office without paying any filing fee.
The Berman Hearing Process
Under Labor Code § 98, the Labor Commissioner conducts administrative hearings known as Berman hearings. The commissioner issues an Order, Decision, or Award (ODA) which, if not appealed within 15 days, becomes an enforceable civil court judgment.