California Wage and Hour Laws Offer Extra Worker Protections

California wage and hour laws are some of the most worker-friendly in the United States. Under California wage and hour laws, non-exempt employees are entitled to increased overtime rate and bonus benefits.

The California minimum wage had a slight increase in 2016, based on the size of the employer. As of 2017, the minimum wage rate is $10 per hour for employers with 25 employees or less, and $10.50 for employers with 26 employees or more.

In 2018, these numbers will increase to $10.50 for smaller employers and $11 for larger employers. According to state law, the annual wage will continue to grow until 2023, which is when all employers will be required to pay a minimum wage rate of $15.

Overview of California Wage and Hour Laws

California wage and hour laws require employers to pay employees an overtime rate of 1.5 times their hourly rate if the employee works over eight hours a day or 40 hours in a single work week. However, if the employee works over 12 hours in a single day, California employees are eligible for double their hourly rate, with employers required to pay for missed rest periods and meal breaks as well.

California wage and hour laws dictate that employees are entitled to a 30 minute meal period after five hours of work, unless the workday will be over in six hours or less. This also applies if the employee and employer agree to waive the meal break.

However, employees cannot work over 10 hours in a single day without a second meal break unless the workday is no longer than 12 hours. Employers are also required to provide 10 minute rest breaks for every four hours worked.

It is important to note that these California wage and hour laws apply to employees classified as non-exempt. Deliberate misclassification by the employer could result in legal penalties.

While the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does require each state to have a minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour, each state has its own labor laws. The FLSA and state laws also impose stiff penalties, for any employers who are found to be in violation of minimum wage policies.

California employees who believe they have not been properly compensated may be eligible to file a California wage and hour lawsuit.

Join a Free California Wage & Hour Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you were forced to work off the clock or without overtime pay within the past 3 years in California, you have rights – and you don’t have to take on the company alone.

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