What Is an “Order Decision or Award (ODA) of the Labor Commissioner”? -- Top Labor Attorney Explains

Employment law attorney Neil Shouse of Shouse California Law Group explains the Order, Decision, or Award (ODA) process for wage claim lawsuits in California.

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What is an Order, Decision, or Award (ODA)? California Wage Claims Explained

If you believe your employer has cheated you out of hard-earned wages—whether through unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, or denied meal and rest breaks—you have the right to file a claim with the California Labor Commissioner. This legal process frequently culminates in a formal ruling known as an "Order, Decision, or Award," or ODA. This critical document is the hearing officer's official determination of who won the case and exactly how much money the employer owes, including back wages and penalties.

The path to an ODA typically begins with a settlement conference. If the dispute cannot be resolved there, the case moves to a formal evidentiary hearing. During this hearing, the burden of proof is on you; you must substantiate your claims using testimony and documentation such as pay stubs, timecards, and employment contracts. Generally, the hearing officer will issue the ODA within fifteen days of this hearing. Once served, your employer faces a strict ten-day deadline to pay the awarded amount.

If the employer fails to pay and does not file a timely appeal, the ODA is sent to the Superior Court, where it transforms into a binding legal judgment. This powerful status allows you to utilize collection tools like bank levies or property liens to seize assets and recover your money. However, employers do have the right to appeal the decision to the Superior Court, which triggers a new trial with much stricter rules of evidence. Because this stage can be legally complex, having an experienced attorney is crucial.

If you or a loved one is charged with a crime we invite you to contact us at Shouse Law Group. We can provide a free consultation in office or by phone. We have local offices in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, Long Beach, Orange County, Ventura, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, San Diego, Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose and throughout California.