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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.
Meet some of our Employment Lawyers
Mark P.
www.parachinilaw.com I represent a diverse mix in a vast array of specialties, including litigation, contracts, compliance, business and financial strategies, and emerging industries. Credit for this foundation of strength goes to those who taught me. Skilled professors and professionals fostered my powerful educational and professional background. Prior to law school, I earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration & Accounting from Peru State College. I received a Master of Business Administration degree from Chadron State College. My ambitions did not stop there. While working full time as a Senior Accountant for the University of Missouri, Columbia, I achieved the lifelong goal of becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Mizzo provided excellent opportunities and amazing experiences. Managing over $50M in government and private research funding was a gift. As a high ranking professional in the Department of Research, I was given priceless insight into the greatest scientific, journalistic, medical, and legal minds in the world. My passion for successful growth did not, and has not stopped. I graduated summa cum laude (top 3%) with a Doctorate in Law, emphasizing in urban, land use and environmental/toxic tort law from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. This success lead to invaluable experiences of serving as Hon. Brian C. Wimes' judicial clerk for the U.S. District Court for the W. D. of Missouri, as a staff editor/writer for UMKC Law Review, and as a litigation and transactional attorney with Lathrop GPM (fka Lathrop & Gage). My professional and personal network is expansive, with established relationships throughout the U.S. and overseas. Although I engage in legal practice all over the country, I maintain law licenses in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. Federally, I hold licenses in the W.D. and E.D. of Missouri and the District of Nebraska. To offer extra value, efficiency, and options, I maintain a CPA license and am obtaining a real-estate brokerage license.
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Rudy C.
As a multilingual attorney, Rudy Cohen-Zardi holds multiple degrees from several institutions worldwide. He has gained experience in leading firms, including Eversheds Sutherland, LLP and Bank of China (NY). He is licensed to practice in New York. His practice focuses on bankruptcy, corporate, and contracts law.
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Rhea J.
I am a graduate from Wittenberg University and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I have been admitted to the Indiana bar since 2013. I have collaborated on several writing projects for the Indiana State Bar.
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Karen H.
During my tenure as VP & Division General Counsel of PepsiCo Inc. in Chicago, I built upon my diverse career overseeing legal matters for both the domestic and international businesses of PepsiCo and The Quaker Oats Co. My extensive practice areas included M&A, contracts, competition, NDAs, regulatory compliance, consumer product & protection, environmental, patents, and advertising regulations. Throughout my professional journey, I navigated legal complexities associated with an eclectic range of products, spanning juices, sports drinks, cereals, snacks, needlepoint kits, canned goods, eyeglasses, men's suits, car seats and toys. For further information, see my LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/karen-hunter-a700179
July 23, 2023
John W.
I am a business lawyer with 30+ years of experience, with a specialization in the life sciences industry. I have been general counsel at 5 different companies - both large and growing, as well as small and emerging. I have built legal teams and have extensive experience with Boards of Directors.
July 24, 2023
Tameko P.
Greene Litigation Group, PLLC., specializes in Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Contract Dispute, Wills & POAs, Irreconcilable Differences Divorce, Business Formation, Contract Drafting, and Landlord Tenant Law
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