Sacramento, CA asked in Employment Law for California

Q: Can I sue for lost wages if my CEO announced that the company pays employees more than they do?

The CEO of Madison Reed recently gave an interview which was published on Fastcompany.com stating "Cosmetologists are not particularly highly compensated... We pay three times the industry average, and healthcare benefits." I made approximately $65k the last 2 years and when I looked up the industry average pay for cosmetologists, most sites agree that it's approximately $30k. Would I be able to sue for lost wages?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
Answered
  • Westminster, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: No. You worked for the wage paid, and it does not matter what the employer is telling other what you were being paid. It might get the CEO in trouble with governmental agencies or the investing public, but you have no right to sue for those things.

Good luck to you.

Brad S Kane agrees with this answer

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
Answered
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Unfortunately, an average is just an average, not an enforceable promise that you personally would be paid that amount.

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