Overtime protection for California workers goes a step beyond federal law — on top of the federal 40-hour workweek rule, California can require overtime for long single workdays. If you work in West industries like agriculture and farm labor, restaurants and hospitality, warehouse and logistics, healthcare and home care, and retail and suspect you weren't paid what you're owed, a local employment attorney can review your situation for free.
Across California, wage and overtime disputes surface most often in agriculture and farm labor, restaurants and hospitality, warehouse and logistics, healthcare and home care, and retail. Workers in these fields are frequently paid hourly, by shift, or on a day rate — the arrangements where off-the-clock work, misclassification, and miscalculated overtime are most common. We connect workers in 4 California metros with employment attorneys who handle these claims.
California is one of a handful of states that can require overtime after a set number of hours in a single workday, in addition to the standard 40-hour workweek rule under federal law. Exact thresholds and exceptions should be confirmed with a licensed attorney.
California is generally understood not to allow a full tip credit — tipped employees are typically owed the full state minimum wage before tips. Current rules should be confirmed with a licensed attorney.
California has its own meal and/or rest break requirements beyond federal law, which may include premium pay for missed breaks. Current requirements should be confirmed with a licensed attorney.
Workers in California generally may be able to bring a wage claim directly, in addition to filing a complaint with a state labor agency, though the process can vary by claim type. An attorney can confirm the options that apply to your situation.
Wage and hour claims are subject to filing deadlines that depend on the law involved (federal FLSA vs. state wage law) and whether a violation is found willful. These deadlines can be shorter than expected — an attorney can confirm what applies to your situation.
California's minimum wage may be higher than the federal minimum and can change over time. Current figures should be confirmed with a licensed attorney or the state labor agency.
Not sure which category fits your situation? Browse all claim types, or just request a free case review and let an attorney help sort it out.