Unpaid Wages and Overtime in San Diego: What to Organize

How employees can organize pay records, time information, and workplace policies before discussing a wage claim.

Build a pay-period file

Start with wage statements, direct-deposit records, schedules, timecards, and any records showing when work actually started and ended. If your employer used an app or electronic clock, preserve lawful copies of records already available to you.

Separate hours from classifications

Overtime questions can involve more than the number of hours worked. Exempt or nonexempt status, job duties, pay method, and the timing of work may all matter. Write down what you actually did, not just the title printed on a business card.

Include off-the-clock work

Think about messages after hours, opening or closing tasks, required pre-shift work, remote logins, travel between work sites, or work performed during supposed meal periods. A short list of recurring tasks can make a consultation much clearer.

Compare policy with practice

An employee handbook may say one thing while daily practice looks different. Preserve the written policy, then note how scheduling, approvals, edits, or supervisor expectations worked in reality.

Ask about the full wage picture

A consultation may also cover meal and rest breaks, expense reimbursement, final pay, commissions, or inaccurate wage statements. Bring enough information for counsel to see the whole compensation pattern rather than one isolated paycheck.