Yes, in California, you must be reimbursed or paid for onboarding training. However, there are some exceptions, and it can be complicated to understand what must be paid. In this article, we’ll explain what is required according to the law.
If you believe an employer has violated these rules, a Los Angeles employment lawyer can help.
Do You Have to Be Paid for Onboarding Training in California?
Yes, onboarding and other required training must be paid for under California law. This is true whether the training is online or in person. However, there may be exceptions depending on how tasks are designated.
What Is Not-Compensable Under California Law?
Under California law, there is a distinction between onboarding-related training and pre-employment tasks. For example, you do not need to be compensated for tasks that are a condition of employment, like:
- Drug testing.
- Background checks.
These are conditions that create your eligibility for employment, so they are not considered part of your employment.
What Do You Have to Be Paid for During Onboarding Training in California?
When it comes to onboarding training in California, you must be paid for any tasks completed for employment once you are considered an employee. For example:
- Filling out the I-9 paperwork.
- Setting up your email account or other employment-based accounts.
- Getting photos taken for your company badge or company website.
- Attending orientation presentations.
- Training on any systems you’ll use as an employee.
Employers should clearly state in an offer letter or communication what is considered a pre-employment task. Many employers will also have you wait to do onboarding tasks until your first official day of work to erase any confusion.
What Can You Do If You Didn’t Get Paid for Onboarding Training in California?
If you believe you were not fairly compensated for employment-based onboarding training or work, then you can file a wage claim. These claims are filed with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.
What Can You Be Compensated for in a Wage Claim?
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- The unpaid wages.
- Interest on the unpaid wages.
- Attorney’s fees.
Who Can File a Wage Claim?
Any employer can file a wage claim if they have not received pay for time worked during employment. It is important that you understand whether the unpaid time was completed pre- or post-employment. An employment lawyer in Los Angeles can help you understand if you have a claim and what your legal rights are.
When Should You File a Wage Claim?
You should file a wage claim as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for wage claims is generally three years, but it can change depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
(310) 526-8383How Can an Employment Lawyer Help With Your Case?
An employment lawyer can help ease the stress of these often complicated claims. They will help you document the wages, prepare your claim for filing, and represent you in negotiations with the Labor Commissioner’s Office and the employer.
Our legal team takes cases on a contingency fee basis. So there are no upfront costs to you, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
What Should You Do If You Were Not Paid for Onboarding Training in CA?
If you were not fairly paid for your time and employment-based tasks, then you may be eligible to recover your lost wages. However, there are a few important steps to take to do so. They are:
Verify That Your Payment Was Not Sent
Occasionally, technical issues or human errors can stop a payment from getting to an employee. Double-check that your payment details were correct. You should also check payslips. Contact your banking institution to see if there was a problem with your direct deposit.
Report the Missing Pay to Your Employer
Contact your employer and tell them that you did not receive payment for your onboarding training. Some employers may have made a genuine error, and the situation will be quickly rectified. You should do this in writing, so that you have a formal record of the communication.
Document Everything
Keep track of all communications and screenshot any that are sent via messaging apps (as they can be deleted). You should also ensure that you have copies of your employment offer, emails pertaining to the onboarding process, and records of having done the training.
Contact a Lawyer and File a Wage Claim
Reach out to a Los Angeles employment lawyer to get started on your case. They will help you file your wage claim correctly and ensure that it is filed on time. The sooner you file, the sooner you can be compensated for your unpaid time.
Contact a Los Angeles Employment Attorney Today
If you’re wondering, “Do I have to be paid for onboarding training in California?” it’s likely because you’ve had an issue with non-payment. A Los Angeles employment lawyer from Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can help you understand the legal options for your case.
We work with employees who have been harmed by employers, whether through non-payment, toxic workplace environments, or wrongful termination. If your employer has retaliated because of your wage claim, we can help protect your legal rights and hold them accountable for their actions.
Our legal team offers compassionate and client-centered care. Reach out to us today and get started with a free initial consultation.
