Copyright: yayayoy / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: yayayoy / 123RF Stock Photo

“Wage Theft” is the term used now for employers who fail to understand all the nuances of California’s ridiculously complicated payroll laws. Mischaracterize an employee as an independent contractor (an issue state agencies can’t even agree on) and you’re a wage thief. Miscalculate an employee’s regular rate of pay? Ditto.

The Wage Theft Protection Act requires that all non-exempt, non-union employees be given a specific form at the time of hire. The DLSE just updated that form to include information about paid sick leave. You can download the new one here. You should start using it by January 1, 2015.