As a minimum wage worker in California, it is important for you to understand your rights and the laws that protect your wages.
In California, the minimum wage is currently $15 per hour for businesses.
In addition to the state minimum wage, some cities and counties in California have their own minimum wage laws that are higher than the state rate. If you live and work in one of these areas, you are entitled to the higher wage.
Your employer is required to pay you at least the minimum wage for all hours that you work, including any overtime hours. Overtime is defined as any time you work over 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. For overtime hours, you must be paid at least 1.5 times your regular hourly wage.
If your employer fails to pay you the minimum wage or your overtime wages, you have the right to file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office. You can also file a lawsuit against your employer to recover any unpaid wages.
It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for asserting your rights to fair wages. This means that your employer cannot fire, demote, or discriminate against you for demanding the wages you are legally entitled to.
If you have any questions or concerns about your wages, you can contact the California Labor Commissioner’s Office for assistance.