Suppose you’re talking to a coworker and discover that both of you are being shorted on your paychecks. You speak with a few more peers and find they’re experiencing the same thing. This hypothetical situation is one of many that can occur in workplaces across all industries, and it’s important for employees to know how to protect themselves if it does. Before you dive into the process, you may be wondering, “How long does a wage and hour class action take in California?”

Unfortunately, there’s no one right answer for how long it may take to settle a class action. That said, you can assess a number of factors to get a better idea of how long it may take. First, it can be helpful to understand a bit more about the California workforce.

Working in California

In recent years, nearly two-thirds of San Diego County residents over the age of 16 have been a part of the labor force. The unemployment rate in the county was 4 percent as of April 2025, which is lower than the state’s average and right in line with the national average. Total nonfarm employment increased by 7,000 jobs, and agricultural employment increased by 300.

With so many people in the workforce, it’s critical to have rules and regulations in place to keep everything running smoothly and fairly for everyone. California labor laws exist to protect workers from unfair or unlawful business practices or employer decisions.

When those laws are violated, employers can find themselves faced with a legal case against them. If they’re violating these laws on a larger scale, a class action may be in their future instead.

If you’re looking to file a class action against an employer, it’s important to understand your rights as well as the nuances of the process. A California wage and hour class action lawyer can evaluate your case and guide you through each step of the process. They can also manage your claim and represent your interests, along with those of the other claimants.

When to File a Wage and Hour Class Action

A class action gives a larger number of employees a single avenue to seek compensation for violations of their workers’ rights. For this reason, it’s not a viable option if just one employee is experiencing an issue. It’s also ideal in situations where class members want to recover a relatively small amount of money. Filing with others can be more cost-effective than filing alone in these situations.

Before you file a wage and hour class action, be sure the situation meets these conditions:

• A class action is the superior way to handle the wage and hour dispute.
• Common questions of law or fact for the entire class predominate over individual class members’ issues.
• The class representatives accurately and adequately represent all class members’ interests.
• There’s a common legal issue regarding hours or wages that affects enough people.

Before launching a class action claim, it is important that you have grounds to file such a claim and evaluate the strength of your case. A California class action employment lawyer can be a highly beneficial asset, as they can prepare your claim, bolster its strength if needed, and represent your side throughout the case.

Once you file the class action, you must obtain a class certification and notify all members. After giving class members the option to opt out of the case, you can enter negotiations to reach a settlement. If negotiations are unsuccessful, you may take the case to trial in front of a court. A skilled employment attorney can represent you throughout this process.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Payout for a Wage and Hour Class Action in California?

A: How much you can obtain from a wage and hour class action in California depends on several factors. Settlement amounts are based on the details of the case, including the number of class members, the quality of the evidence you present, and the severity of the violations. A California wage and hour class action lawyer can strategize with you to secure the maximum amount available.

Q: How Long Does It Typically Take to Receive Money From a Wage and Hour Class Action in California?

A: Receiving your settlement is not likely to take too long, but certain factors can impact how long the process lasts. The time it takes to get your money mostly depends on the settlement amount and the defendant’s ability to pay it.

After you reach an agreement in a class action case, the court must approve it, which can take some time. To avoid unnecessary delays, update your bank account and contact information. Then, sign all the related release forms.

Q: What Are Some Common Examples of Wage and Hour Class Actions in California?

A: Wage and hour class actions revolve around labor law violations. These are related to the amount of time employees are working and the amount they are paid for that work. Some common class actions our attorneys at Jimenez Loayza, APC, have addressed involved not being paid minimum wage, not having proper meal or rest breaks, and not receiving overtime pay.

Q: What Is the Difference Between PAGA Claims and Class Actions in California?

A: PAGA (Private Attorney General’s Act) claims and class actions both allow employees to seek recourse for labor law violations. PAGA is a California-specific law that is overseen by the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA). It allows employees to recover civil penalties for violations of their rights. These penalties are separate from other remedies they may seek through a court case, including compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

Reach Out to a Wage and Hour Class Action Employment Lawyer to Discuss Your Case

If you’re considering filing a wage and hour class action against your employer, it can be highly beneficial to consult a California wage and hour lawyer from Jimenez Loayza, APC. Contact us to set up an appointment with a local attorney you can trust today.