Did you wait in line to clock in or out? Did you have to make rate, even if it meant missing breaks? Did you wait for bag checks off the clock?
Under California law, you may be entitled to pay for this time.
No one will contact your employer. No one will ask about your immigration status.
Imagine you get to work, but you have to wait in line to clock in. Or maybe you need time before clocking in to prepare for work. Then your shift ends. You clock out — but you still have to walk to the exit, stand in a security line and wait while someone checks your bag. In some cases, you may even need to clock out and continue working to make rate, hit your numbers and satisfy your supervisors.
If you have worked at a California warehouse or distribution center, these things may sound all too familiar. They may also be unlawful.
Many distribution center and warehouse workers think this is just how the job is and that nothing can be done about it. That is not true. Those unpaid minutes can add up, and California employment law is designed to ensure you get paid for all the time you work. Plus, you may be eligible for additional penalties if an employer requires you to work “off the clock.”
Who qualifies for the California unpaid wages lawsuit investigation?
You may qualify for this employment lawsuit investigation if both of the following apply to you:
- You currently work at a warehouse, distribution center, fulfillment center, or cold storage facility in California, or worked at one of these facilities within the last 3 years.
- You believe you were not paid for all the time you spent working, including working before or after your shift without pay, being forced to participate in uncompensated security or bag checks, missed meal or rest breaks, or another type of potential wage theft.
If you work in California but not at a warehouse or distribution center and believe you have experienced wage theft, you may still have legal options.
Time limits may apply. Do not wait to check whether you may qualify.
Legally reviewed by: Marc H. Phelps
Founder, Phelps Law Group
The law firms responsible for the content of this page are: Phelps Law Group; Newport Beach, CA and Glick Law Group; San Diego, CA.
Case updates
Legal status as of August 2026
- Attorneys are actively investigating wage theft claims on behalf of current and former distribution center and warehouse workers in California.
This page was last reviewed and updated in August 2026 to reflect the latest case developments.
Did you miss your breaks or have them cut short?
California employment law ensures that workers receive a 30-minute meal break before the end of the fifth hour of work, as well as a paid 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked. These breaks should be uninterrupted and free from work duties.
In reality, workers may find themselves having to:
- Cut meal breaks short because they are having trouble making rate
- Skip breaks because there is too much work that needs to be done
- Respond to radio calls from supervisors or floor managers before their break is over
- Stay late to finish pallets or other work after clocking out because of pressure from supervisors
- Meet numbers that leave little or no time for breaks, meals, or even bathroom trips
These situations may violate California law.
Worried about submitting your information?
Some workers may hesitate to come forward because they are concerned about their immigration status or worried that their employer could find out.
California workers have protections regardless of their immigration status. If you believe your employee rights may have been violated, you can submit the form on this page to learn more about your legal options.
The private law firms working with Top Class Actions will not:
- Contact your employer
- Ask about your immigration status
- Contact immigration or the government
Submitting the form does not commit you to filing an unpaid wages lawsuit or taking legal action. You can speak with the attorneys about your situation and decide whether you want to move forward. There is no cost to you to do so.
How to get started
Fill out the short form on this page to get started. It takes less than 5 minutes, and you do not need to provide your last name to submit your information.
The law firms can communicate with you in English or Spanish, and you can choose whether you prefer to be contacted by phone or in writing.
There is no charge to speak with the law firms about your potential claim.
Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.
After you fill out the form, an attorney(s) or their agent(s) may contact you to discuss your legal rights.
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