The reality is that many employees do not review their pay stubs because of a common fallacy: trust. This is not to say employers are out to betray you, but businesses are biased towards decreasing costs, especially labor as that tends to be the largest expense. Many employers also are not aware about premium overtime, rest break violation penalties, failure to give lunch break prior to the 5th hour and a host of other regulations. Thus, it is important for employees to periodically review their pay stubs. Also, review your job descriptions to see if you have been properly classified.
Are you being paid the same amount every paycheck (which should arrive on the 10th and the 26th as mandated by California law) even though you are an hourly employee? Did you take your lunch, one minute later than 5 hours on a 8 hour shift? You are entitled to a one hour wage penalty? Were you terminated over the phone and informed that the final check would be given on the next pay dates? California requires that a final check, including reporting time pay (if you were on the schedule) be given to you at the time of termination. It is prudent to check your pay stubs as well as know what your overtime rates should be. You never know when that information could come in handy.
Sanjay Sabarwal's Blog 