Pursuing Unpaid Wages: Unleashing the Power of California’s Unfair Competition Law

In the face of denied earned wages, California offers a distinctive legal recourse that goes beyond conventional wage claims. The state’s Unfair Competition Law (UCL) empowers workers to seek justice when unfair, unlawful, or fraudulent business practices result in the deprivation of property, including unpaid wages.

In a recent case, a worker strategically employed the UCL to combat wage theft. Initially pursuing a breach of contract claim for unpaid earnings, the employee switched gears when compelled into arbitration by the employer. However, a carve-out provision allowed the continuation of UCL claims in a court setting.

The company contested the UCL claim, asserting it merely rehashed the dismissed wage case to circumvent arbitration. Contrary to this argument, the appellate court upheld the carve-out’s validity. Consequently, the plaintiff can now pursue litigation under the UCL in a more favorable courtroom environment instead of being confined to arbitration.

This case serves as a testament to how California’s Unfair Competition Law uniquely empowers workers. By invoking the UCL, employees can seek restitution for wrongfully withheld compensation, even when faced with constraints imposed by arbitration agreements or procedural obstacles.

Take Action:

If you lost hard-earned pay due to wage theft, the UCL offers an additional avenue to seek justice. Gruzen Moussly Law harnesses the protections afforded to California workers, utilizing tools such as the Unfair Competition Law to recover stolen wages and pursue damages from unscrupulous employers. Refuse to let companies unjustly pocket your earnings – legal action can and will enforce accountability.

To explore the possibility of a wage theft claim, reach out to our experienced attorneys today. We are committed to assisting California employees in reclaiming their rightfully earned pay and putting an end to abusive company practices. For a free consultation with our employment law attorneys, call (818) 492 – 7480 today. You can also complete our online form to get started.