So, I took a summer job at a tire shop. I was hired for 10.95$ an hour which isn't great but better than fast food or grocery stores which with the experience I had was a possibility. First pay cheque I get that wage and I'm in a happy, yet ignorant bliss, as for my second pay they cut me to 9.50$. They said it was a mistake as they hire summer employees at the lower rate. Now, as I was told, I was getting 10.95$ by the administration lady and that is what they paid me, I should have no problem succeeding if I take this to the labour board, correct? I wouldn't have taken the job for 9.50$ as I can get a better paying job in an air conditioned building stacking cans.

Probably won't be able to use them as a reference if I take them to the labour board after haha.

If you signed on with the agreement that your pay would be $10.95 and then had it cut to $9.50 (without notice) then yeah. That's a breech of contract. Even with notice, I believe there would be more to it than that.

Would my first pay stub count as an agreement?

I would think not. Where you not given a contract? or did they say to you what your pay would be with no mention of it going down?

Sometimes employers create a verbal contract. This is hard to prove. You won't succeed if it is verbal.

I was told the wage, with no mention of a decrease.

Well that would be a verbal contract, which, while being legally binding, is something hard to prove. But I would think that you would have a decent case. Probably does actually help that you have a pay stub showing that you were getting paid that.

If you have nothing in writing to the contrary, they tell you one thing and then change it, that is illegal. Your check under the correct amount for the same job title is proof.
It is unlawful for an employer to pay you less for the same job without your consent.
At least in California.

Where might you be?

I'd say that's illegal pretty much anywhere. But you do raise a good point. I'm pretty sure any change or wage has to be given to you in writing beforehand.

You really should get a contract though when you are employed. Makes these types of things so much easier.

Are the labour board going to give you more than your owed money? If not it mightn't be worth it. I'd find out exactly how much they will give you.