About This System

The California Wage Theft Recovery System is published by Justice Foundation — a consumer protection and legal education organization focused on helping workers access the rights and remedies California law already gives them.

Why We Built This

Wage theft is the most common crime in America — and California employers are among the worst offenders. More than $2 billion is stolen from California workers every year through unpaid overtime, missed break premiums, illegal tip pools, late final paychecks, and misclassification schemes.

The laws to stop this exist. The free enforcement mechanisms exist. What workers lack is the knowledge to use them. This kit closes that gap.

What Makes This Different

Most wage claim guides stop at “here are the laws.” This system goes further: it includes 14 pre-engineered Claude AI prompts that apply California Labor Code to your specific facts — giving you the personalized analysis that used to require an attorney consultation.

Claude AI doesn’t replace an attorney. But it closes the gap between “I know I was wronged” and “I know exactly what I’m owed and how to file.”

Disclaimer

This system provides educational information and document templates only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Justice Foundation is not a law firm. For complex wage claims — especially PAGA lawsuits, class actions, and retaliation claims — consult a licensed California employment attorney. Most employment attorneys take wage cases on contingency with no upfront cost to you.