March 27, 2023
As an employee in California, it’s important to understand your rights regarding wage and hour laws. These laws dictate how much you are paid, when, and how you are paid, among other things. In this blog post, we will discuss some key aspects of California’s wage and hour laws and how they apply to employees.
Minimum Wage
Minimum wage is one of the most basic aspects of California’s wage and hour laws. Since 2023, the minimum wage in California has been $15.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees and $14.00 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees. In addition, some cities and counties in California have their own minimum wage laws, which may be higher than the state minimum wage.
Overtime
California’s overtime laws are more generous than federal overtime laws. Under California law, non-exempt employees who work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week are entitled to overtime pay. Overtime pay is calculated at 1.5 times the employee’s regular pay rate. Employees who work more than 12 hours in a day or more than 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of a workweek are entitled to double time pay.
Meal and Rest Breaks
California law requires employers to provide meal and rest breaks to employees. For every 5 hours worked, an employee is entitled to a 30-minute meal break, which must be uninterrupted. Employees who work more than 10 hours a day are entitled to a second 30-minute meal break. In addition, employees are entitled to a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked.
Pay Stubs
Under California law, employers must provide employees with itemized wage statements or pay stubs that show hours worked, rate of pay, and any deductions made. The pay stub must also show the total gross and net wages earned.
Penalties for Wage and Hour Violations
Employers who violate California’s wage and hour laws can face severe penalties, including back pay, interest, and fines. In some cases, employees may be entitled to damages for emotional distress or other harm caused by the violation. In addition, employers who violate California’s wage and hour laws may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
California’s wage and hour laws can be complex, but employees must understand their rights. If you believe your employer violated your rights, speaking with an experienced employment law attorney is essential. At Yeremian, we can help you understand your legal options and work to protect your rights as an employee.