California wage and hour laws are designed to protect the rights of employees and ensure they are fairly compensated for their work. These laws cover a wide range of issues, including minimum wage, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and more.
One of the most important aspects of California wage and hour law is the state’s minimum wage. As of January 1, 2022, the minimum wage in California is $13 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees and $14 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees. This means that if you are an employee in California, you are entitled to be paid at least this amount for every hour you work.
Another important aspect of California wage and hour law is overtime pay. Under state law, employees are entitled to overtime pay of one and a half times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week. This applies to most employees, with some exceptions for certain types of workers, such as salaried employees and certain types of independent contractors.
In addition to minimum wage and overtime pay, California law also requires employers to provide their employees with meal and rest breaks. Employees are entitled to a 30-minute meal break for every 5 hours of work and a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours of work. Employers are also required to pay employees for any missed or shortened breaks.
It is important to note that if an employer violates these laws, employees may have the right to file a claim against them. This can include recovering unpaid wages, penalties, and attorney’s fees.
If you believe that your employer has violated California wage and hour laws, it is important to speak with an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can help you navigate the legal process of filing a claim against your employer.
Contact LaGuardia Law to discuss your situation. The consultation is free and LaGuardia Law takes most cases on a contingency basis which allows LaGuardia Law to help clients without clients having to pay attorney fees and costs upfront in order to hold employers accountable for their violations of the law. Call us today, 619-655-4322.
