California Labor Laws

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Introduction to California Labor Laws

California labor laws protect employers and employees. California employment lawyers can offer legal advice if you have questions.

Here is a link to California Required Posters and Notices.

California Break Laws

California break laws exceed the federal minimum.

Breaks During Day

Non-exempt employees must have unpaid 30-minute lunch breaks or meal breaks for every 5 hours worked. Employers must also offer a paid ten-minute rest break every 4 hours.

Here is a resource for break laws in California.

Hours Allowed to Work

California employees can’t work shifts longer than 12 hours per day.

California Wage and Hour Laws

California wage and hour laws exceed the federal minimums across the board.

Minimum Wage

As of 2021, the California minimum wage is $13 per hour for companies with fewer than 25 employees. For companies with 26 or more, it is $14.

Overtime Pay

Employees working more than 40 hours per week are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate.

Unpaid Wages

Employers can’t withhold wages. This rule holds even if the work was unauthorized. California employees can file claims against the employer if left unpaid.

Hours in Day

Employees working more than 8 hours per day are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate.

California Child Labor Laws

California children under age 12 cannot work. The state limits positions minors can accept. It also limits their hours and shifts they can work.

At-Will Employment

California follows an at-will employment doctrine. However, it’s illegal to fire someone if it goes against public policy.

California Leave Laws

California leave laws are generous to employees versus the federal minimum. Here is a side-by-side comparison of

Annual Leave

California employment laws don’t require employers to provide any form of paid or unpaid annual leave.

Bereavement Leave

In 2020, California passed bereavement laws. Employers with more than 25 employees can receive ten days unpaid. Smaller companies must offer three business days.

Holidays

Employers don’t have to offer paid or unpaid holidays to employees. This also applies to national holidays.

Sick Leave

California requires employers to provide 24 hours of sick leave every 12 months. Employers must add one hour for every 30 hours worked and may cap it at six days.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of COVID-19 Paid Leave with other California Sick Leave types.

Paid Time Off

Companies don’t have to provide employees with paid time off. However, they may offer them as an incentive.

California Specific Labor Laws

Employers must recognize strict California laws passed under AB 5. Refer to a law handbook or California labor laws to learn more about employee classification.

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