Wage and hour claims are a common issue for California employees, as they can be confused about their rights and the laws that protect them. This is a basic overview of wage and hour claims for California employees.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the California Labor Code are the primary laws that govern wage and hour claims in California. The FLSA sets the federal minimum wage and overtime pay standards, while the California Labor Code provides additional protections and higher standards for California employees.
One of the most important things to know about wage and hour claims is that California employees are entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage, currently $13 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees and $14 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees. Additionally, California employees are entitled to overtime pay, which is 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week.
Employees may also have claims for unpaid wages, such as unpaid overtime or minimum wages, or for failure to provide meal and rest breaks.
Another important aspect of wage and hour claims is that employees are entitled to meal and rest breaks during their workday. Employers are required to provide a 30-minute meal break for every 5 hours worked and a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked. If an employer fails to provide these breaks, the employee may be entitled to additional pay.
California employees also have the right to be free from retaliation for asserting their wage and hour rights. This means that an employer cannot punish an employee for making a complaint about wage and hour violations or for participating in an investigation of such complaints.
It is important to note that the above is a simplified overview of the laws and regulations. If you have any questions or concerns about your rights as a California employee, contact us at LaGuardia Law for a free consultation.
Wage and hour claims can be complex, but it is important for California employees to understand their rights and the laws that protect them. If you believe that your rights have been violated, it is important to seek legal advice. LaGuardia Law is here to help you navigate the complex world of employment law and fight for your rights as a California employee.
