<human>: I've been bartending at a bar and grill in California for almost 10 months now. While getting our paychecks cashed has always been a bit hairy, the last 3 months have taken this to an extreme. Checks are consistently coming late and employees aren't able to get their checks cashed for weeks to months after they're issued due to insufficient payroll funds. When we do get our checks cashed, it comes in the form of an envelope of money rather than a withdraw from the payroll account, which has had a near zero balance for the last few months without any money whatsoever being added to it. I have started to look for a new place to work, but it took me 7 months of searching to finally land my current gig. Also, the tips I am making are good money, and more on their own than I would be making if I were on unemployment. I need this job for at least 4 more months (I plan to move thereafter), but I am fed up with not being paid. What should I do? Would going to the department of labor make things worse? Should I just accumulate as many paychecks as I can in the next 4 months and then sue? Any advice or testimonials are appreciated.

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<bot>: My paycheck will bounce every pay cycle but I am making decent tips. I need this job for 4 more months before I move and finding a new job is close to impossible. Advice?