California Wage & Hour Laws

In 2016, California enacted SB 3, authorizing annual minimum wage increases until it reaches $15.00, and identifying a two-tiered schedule for the effective dates of these increases depending on whether the employer has more than 25 employees.  As minimum wage increases, so does the employees regular rate for purposes of calculating time and a half…

What is minimum wage in California?  As of January 1. 2018, California’s minimum wage is $11.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees and $10.50 per hour for employers with less than 26 employees.   However, the increases in California’s minimum wage will not stop there.  Under Labor Code section 1182.12, California’s minimum…

When Can Meal Breaks be Waived in California? Meal breaks in California can be waived only under very limited circumstances. Shifts Between 5-6 Hours If the total shift worked is less than six (6) hours total, then the employer and the employee can agree that no meal period will be taken by the employee. Shifts…

Are meal breaks and rest breaks required in California? Yes. In California, employers are required to provide their employees both meal breaks and rest breaks depending on the hours those employees work. CALIFORNIA MEAL BREAKS When are meal breaks required in California?  Under California law (Wage Orders and Labor Code Section 512), employees must be…

Overtime laws were established under both California law and federal law to reward employees for working long hours.  They were also put in place to prevent employees from overworking their employees by putting financial pressure on the employer. Is Overtime Owed After 8 Hours or 40 Hours in California?  Under both California and federal law,…