A wage claim starts the process to collect on those unpaid wages or benefits. For more information on California minimum wage.California follows a state minimum wage law. California's reporting time pay law requires employees get paid if they show up to work, even if they don't work a full shift. The Private Attorneys General Act gives workers the power to pursue labor code violation claims against an employer on behalf of themselves and other employees. Vacation leave without pay option. An employee may elect to take vacation or leave without pay for an authorized absence. Calculate the amount the employee is to be paid, adding up all wages earned (regular and overtime) and including all other compensation due. Employers are required to pay employees no less than the minimum wage for each hour worked within the geographic boundaries of the City of Santa Clara. For a more complete listing, see the NYS Labor Law, Article 19, Section 651.