The Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) empowers employees in California to act as agents of the state by bringing legal action against their employers for violations of the Labor Code. These lawsuits seek to recover civil penalties on behalf of the state, creating an additional layer of enforcement for labor protections.
PAGA penalties are distinct from other legal remedies—such as unpaid wages or damages—and may be pursued alongside traditional labor claims in a single lawsuit. This means a PAGA claim can be part of a broader case involving multiple labor violations.
When a PAGA case settles, most of the penalties (75%) go to the state, while employees receive the remaining 25%. Although settlements can exceed $1 million, individual payouts to employees are often modest, typically around $1,264 per person.
PAGA is overseen by California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), and its aim is clear: promote compliance by holding employers accountable and deterring ongoing labor law violations.
$10 Billion Awarded PAGA Claims since 2016
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PAGA Lawsuits in 2013
PAGA Lawsuits in 2018
PAGA Lawsuits in 2024
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