California has some of the strongest wage and hour protections in the country. These laws ensure that employees are paid fairly for their work and that employers follow clear rules about pay, scheduling, and breaks. Despite these protections, many workers experience violations that go unnoticed or unaddressed. Understanding your rights under California wage and hour laws is the first step to making sure you are treated fairly on the job.

Minimum Wage and Overtime Rules

California law guarantees a higher minimum wage than the federal standard, and many cities and counties require even more. As of January 2025, the statewide minimum wage applies to all employers regardless of size, but local rates may vary based on where you work.

Overtime laws are also stronger in California than in most other states. Non-exempt employees must be paid one and a half times their regular rate for any hours worked over eight in a single day or forty in a week. Double-time pay applies after twelve hours in a day or after eight hours on the seventh consecutive workday. Employers who classify workers as salaried to avoid paying overtime must ensure that the position meets strict exemption criteria under state law.

Meal and Rest Break Requirements

Employees are entitled to uninterrupted breaks during the workday. A thirty-minute unpaid meal break must be provided before the end of the fifth hour of work (though this break may be waived by mutual agreement if the shift is six hours or less), and a second meal break after no more than ten hours (which may be waived if your shift is twelve hours or less and you did not waive your first meal period). In addition, employees must receive a paid ten-minute rest break for every four hours worked or a major fraction thereof. Certain industries and work environments have additional requirements, including mandatory “recovery periods,” while others may be exempt from some of these requirements.

If your employer denies these breaks or pressures you to work through them, that can constitute a wage and hour violation. Workers are entitled to an additional hour of pay for each day a required meal or rest break is missed or interrupted.

Common Wage and Hour Violations

Violations often occur in subtle ways that add up over time. Common examples include unpaid overtime, failing to pay for all hours worked, or misclassifying employees as independent contractors. Employers may also violate the law by delaying final paychecks or withholding earned wages after termination.

Even small discrepancies can signal a larger pattern of wage theft. If your pay does not align with your actual hours or duties, it is worth reviewing your situation under California wage and hour laws to determine if a claim may be appropriate.

Filing California Wage and Hour Claims

Workers who experience violations have several options for pursuing compensation. Many choose to file administrative complaints with the Labor Commissioner’s Office, which investigates wage and hour claims and can order payment of back wages, penalties, and interest. Others pursue private lawsuits, including class or representative actions, especially when multiple employees are affected by the same unlawful practices.

Documenting your hours, pay stubs, and communications with your employer can strengthen your claim. Deadlines to file vary depending on the type of violation, so taking action promptly is important.

Protecting California Workers

At Valerian Law, we represent employees across California in wage and hour claims involving unpaid overtime, misclassification, and meal and rest break violations. Our attorneys are committed to helping workers recover what they are owed and ensuring accountability under California labor law.

If you believe your employer has violated wage and hour rules, contact Valerian Law for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights.