State and federal regulations help establish baseline protections for workers. Workers paid on an hourly basis have a right to a minimum wage. California’s employment regulations expand on federal statutes.
The state minimum wage is substantially higher than the federal minimum wage. California has also enhanced overtime protections for workers. Employees paid on an hourly basis and those who receive low salaries may be eligible for overtime pay when they work more than usual. Federal law only recognizes one situation in which workers become eligible for overtime pay, but California state law has three different standards that can trigger overtime wages.
When do workers potentially qualify for overtime pay?
When they work more than 40 hours
The federal standard for overtime pay is simple. If hourly workers and non-exempt salaried workers put in more than 40 hours in one workweek, they receive overtime pay for any time worked after 40 hours. California also embraces that standard. Employees should receive 150% of their usual hourly pay when they work more than the standard 40-hour work week.
When they work long shifts
One of the ways California expands on overtime regulations is by acknowledging that a standard shift is only eight hours. If employers require that workers remain on the job for more than eight hours straight, the employee may be eligible for 150% of their usual hourly wages after reaching eight hours per shift. In fact, those who work especially long shifts may be eligible for double their usual rate. After 12 consecutive hours on the clock, employers may have to pay 200% of the worker’s typical hourly wage.
When they don’t receive a day for rest
Many professionals only have to work five days a week, but those in service or industrial careers may work on the weekend as well. When employers require that employees work for seven consecutive days, the workers should receive overtime pay for any time worked on the seventh day.
Employers often hope that workers are unfamiliar with their rights and may try to take advantage of them. Professionals may need help validating that they experienced a wage violation and holding their employers accountable. Pursuing a wage and hour claim can potentially allow workers to secure the compensation they deserve for working longer than many other professionals.