The word "PAGA" is spelled with the phonetic transcription of /ˈpeɪɡə/, representing the sound of the letters in the word. The letter P is pronounced with an aspirated sound, as in "pat", followed by the vowel sound of "ay". The letter G is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, like in "good", and the letter A is pronounced with the sound of "uh". The final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, represented by the letter "a". Overall, the phonetic transcription of "PAGA" helps clarify the pronunciation of the word.
PAGA, which stands for the Private Attorneys General Act, is a California state labor law that empowers employees to sue their employers on behalf of the state for violations of the state's labor code. Enacted in 2004, PAGA allows employees to bring actions against employers for various labor law violations, such as failure to pay minimum wage, deny overtime pay, provide meal and rest breaks, or maintain accurate wage and hour records.
Under PAGA, employees act as private attorneys general, representing themselves and other aggrieved employees. If successful, the penalties and fines recovered in these lawsuits are shared between the state labor agency and the employees. The law enables employees to seek redress for labor code violations without relying solely on government enforcement agencies.
PAGA establishes specific procedures and requirements for filing a claim, including a required notice to the employer and the labor agency prior to initiating a lawsuit. It also sets limits on the recovery of civil penalties based on the nature of the violation.
The main objective of PAGA is to enhance labor law enforcement, as it allows for the redistribution of resources and responsibilities between employees, their private attorneys, and the state. It serves as a mechanism to hold employers accountable for violations, promoting fair treatment and compliance with labor laws in the state of California.