California Labor Laws

What are California Labor Laws?

California labor laws are a set of laws set by the State of California to protect and ensure workers' rights. It includes minimum wage, rest breaks, and overtime pay.

What’s the Importance of California Labor Laws?

California, the most populated state in the US, often defies federal labor laws as it implements its own set of more employee-centric rules. As it is one of the most progressive states in the US, it is no wonder its laws are set to ensure the rights and privileges of employees. Despite other states being advanced, California's history and focus on worker's rights and protection laws highlight it and set it apart from other states.

Some of the things unique to California Labor Laws

Here are some points that are unique to California Labor Laws

1. Overtime

Employees in California benefit far more from the state's hourly overtime legislation than in other states. Employers that don't pay overtime correctly are heavily penalized.

After working eight hours in a workday or more than 40 hours in a workweek, employees in the state of California are eligible to receive 1.5 times their usual rate of pay, which is referred to as time and a half. After working 12 hours in a single workday, they are eligible for double time and a half compensation for any overtime. In addition, California implements a premium for seventh-day overtime pay for employees who have worked continuously for seven days. Most of these "employee-friendly" overtime regulations are distinct from those in other states and the federal government, which only mandate extra payment after a total of 40 hours has been put in throughout a workweek.

2. Leaves

• Military leaves: Leaves employees can take to be with their spouses who are in the military.
• Parental: Employees are allowed to take leaves to attend school-related activities for their children
• Voting: Employees can take leaves from work to vote.
• Pregnancy: Employees may be granted up to 4 months of leave for disabilities related to pregnancy.
• Family or Self-care: Eligible Employees may be granted 12 weeks of additional time off on the pregnancy disability leaves to take care of themselves or a family member. 
• Organ donor leaves.
• Domestic violence or victim leave.
• Drug and alcohol rehabilitation leaves.

3. Hiring

• Applicants are not required to show their criminal record.
• Employers are prohibited from checking or inquiring about applicants' salary history.
• Employers are prohibited from asking applicants for their e-mail and social media passwords.
• Employers may only check the credit information of certain types of employees and applicants.

4. Workplace

• Employers are to provide harassment prevention training to all employees periodically.
• Managers can be personally held responsible for harassment on office or company premises.