You work hard for your paycheck, so it’s frustrating when something seems off. One question that often comes up is whether your boss can change your pay after you’ve already done the work. Let’s clear that up.
Understanding retroactive pay changes
A retroactive pay change happens when an employer modifies your compensation for hours already worked. This often means the employer lowers your wage after the work ends. California law prohibits this practice. Employers must establish and communicate your pay rate before you begin work. Once you complete the work, the law locks in the agreed-upon rate.
What the law says about wage changes
California statutes protect employees from hidden wage reductions. Employers must provide advance notice of any pay rate changes, and these changes can only apply to future work. If you worked at a set rate last week, your employer breaks the law by reducing your pay for those hours today. This kind of action violates the Labor Code and carries potential penalties.
How to spot unlawful changes
Review your pay statements carefully. If your hourly wage changes without warning or your total pay looks wrong for a specific pay cycle, the employer may have made a retroactive change. Some employers might call it a “clerical oversight” or an “accounting revision,” but that doesn’t make it legal. You have the right to receive the compensation your employer promised.
Why your paycheck matters
Your paycheck means more than just money—it confirms the agreement between you and your employer and honors your labor. Cutting your wage after the fact breaks that agreement. By watching your compensation closely, you help protect yourself and promote fairness in your workplace.