When employers violate workers’ rights, PAGA gives employees the power to enforce the law and protect others.
Under California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), employees can step into the shoes of the state and take legal action against employers that violate the Labor Code. But this is about more than individual claims. PAGA empowers employees to hold their employer accountable on behalf of all affected employees and drive systemic change.
At Valerian Law, we represent employees in high-impact PAGA cases across California. Our attorneys understand both the power and complexity of this law, especially in the wake of major amendments enacted in 2024 that impact how PAGA actions work.
What Is PAGA?
PAGA allows employees to file representative actions for Labor Code violations such as unpaid wages, meal and rest break violations, misclassification, or inaccurate wage statements, on behalf of the State of California, to assess civil penalties for these violations that otherwise could only be assessed by the State.
Why PAGA Matters
PAGA lawsuits have become a powerful tool for low-wage and frontline workers, particularly in industries where Labor Code violations are widespread and difficult to challenge individually. PAGA doesn’t just secure penalties. It forces companies to change.
Our team has seen firsthand how a well-crafted PAGA action can:
- Compensate workers for systemic abuses
- Pressure companies to fix illegal practices
- Set legal precedents that protect future employees
What Changed in 2024?
In July 2024, Governor Newsom and a coalition of stakeholders reached a deal to reform PAGA. This agreement avoided a ballot initiative to repeal the law entirely.
Key updates include:
- Stronger enforcement. The amendments increase penalties for employers who knowingly violate the law or engage in retaliation.
- More clarity. The reforms aim to resolve inconsistent court interpretations, especially around standing, manageability, and what makes a claim “representative.”
- Greater fairness. There are now new limits on stacked penalties and duplicative claims, and a process for employers to cure certain violations.
Valerian Law is at the forefront of analyzing and applying these changes. We help clients assess how the amendments impact their rights and legal strategy.
Who Can File a PAGA Claim?
To bring a PAGA claim, you must be an “aggrieved employee.” This means someone who personally experienced the Labor Code violations being asserted. You must also follow strict requirements to provide the California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) with notice of the violations before filing in court.
Navigating these rules isn’t easy. That’s why it is critical to work with a law firm that understands the nuances and deadlines of PAGA litigation.
Why Work with Valerian Law?
Valerian Law is a public-interest-minded firm focused on high-stakes, high-impact employment litigation. We are not a PAGA mill. We take on PAGA cases that matter, both to the workers involved and to the broader labor community.
We bring:
- Deep experience in complex, representative employment litigation
- Strategic insight into how the 2024 PAGA amendments affect your claim
A worker-first approach that centers your experience and your voice
Talk to a PAGA Attorney Today
Valerian Law is skilled and experienced at enforcing employee rights under California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). If you believe your employer has violated the Labor Code and want to understand your options for holding them accountable on behalf of yourself and your coworkers, give us a call at 888-686-1918 and we will walk you through your legal options.