Because of the state’s stricter employment laws, that tend to be more employee-friendly than the federal laws, and many other states, the employment laws in California are more protective of employees. Here are some key ways in which California employment law stands out:
1. Higher Minimum Wage
Currently, California has one of the highest state minimum wages within the U.S.; as of January 1, 2023, the hourly rate stood at $15.50 while all employees, regardless of the business’ size, were entitled to this wage. Many geographic regions in California also provide in addition to state-level, a greater local minimum wage.
Read: Pros and Cons of employment law in California
2. Overtime Pay Rules
Under California law, an employer shall pay any nonexempt employee in the state overtime wages for all hours worked over 8 in a single day or 40 in a workweek. Despite federal law and the majority of states having overtime pay requirements for more than 40 hours per week, it is little to none. California also has a lot of rules stipulating which employees get a bonus from overtime eligibility.
3. Break Requirements
California is the state that prohibited working without meals and rest. To perform this work, the workers must be paid at least 30 minutes for the no-pay meal time if they work for more than 5 hours. Another benefit is that employees are eligible for 10-minute paid rest break for every 4 hours worked.
4. Paid Sick Leave
Under the state law of California, the paid sick leave per year should not be less than 24 hours or 3 days. Balance of sick leave can be obtained as a number of hours worked. California provides the same measure allowing employees to take the paid sick and rest days to look after sick family members.
5. Pregnancy Disability Leave
California brought forward the first law in the country regarding pregnancy disability leave back in 1978. An employee, who is in the stage of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, is entitled to leave for up to 4 months without any implications on his/her job. The emplacements are to uphold health insurance coverage during this disability leave.
In closing, California state employment laws in the areas of Compensation, Breaks, Leave and Family Obligations are more extensive than highly federal laws. California based employers should not only be compliant but they should also be completely conformant.