Businesses operating in California have to comply with federal and state wage laws. They have to pay at least minimum wage for all time worked. They must also provide appropriate overtime wages when necessary. Many wage and hour lawsuits begin with claims of unpaid overtime. Companies try to take advantage of workers by denying them the compensation that they deserve. Workers who don’t know the law are vulnerable.
Those who may have previously lived and worked in another state may not even realize how drastically overtime rules in California differ from the standards imposed in many other jurisdictions. Unlike most workers, employees in California can become eligible for overtime wages in three different distinct situations.
Working more than 40 hours
The federal standard for overtime pay is relatively straightforward. Employees who put in more than 40 hours in one workweek are eligible for 150% of their standard hourly wage. That rule applies in every state, including California.
Working unusually long shifts
California does not just view the total amount of time worked when determining who deserves overtime pay. The state also establishes several standard expectations for an employee’s workday and their workweek. California defines a traditional workday as eight hours. With certain exceptions for those in specialized professions, including childcare and medicine, anyone working more than eight hours per shift could be eligible for overtime wages. Typically, employers have to pay at least 150% of a worker’s standard wages for any time past the eighth hour during any given shift. That may increase to 200% of their traditional wages if their shift lasts for longer than 12 hours.
Working without a day off
California state statutes also recognize the importance of time off to recover and take care of personal matters. At the very least, employees should receive one day out of seven away from work. If employers schedule them for seven consecutive days, then any time worked on that seventh day is typically overtime.
Workers who understand the rules that apply in California can use that knowledge to protect themselves and to secure the wages that they deserve. If employers don’t follow the law, then an overtime wage claim may be necessary. Workers who take legal action successfully can receive the wages they already earned and convince their employers to improve their practices.