California has more expansive employment regulations protecting workers than the United States does in general. Workers who look into their circumstances online may receive information intended to advise all U.S employees and not be state specific.
The answers they find may reflect federal regulations rather than stricter California standards. One of the areas in which California law provides enhanced protections when compared with federal regulations is in regard to overtime pay.
There are more scenarios in which California employees may be eligible for overtime pay. What are the three main scenarios in which overtime wages are due to hourly workers or those with non-exempt salaries?
1. Working more than 40 hours
The one area in overtime law where California matches federal standards is the overtime threshold based on hours worked per week. After an employee has worked 40 hours in a week, they are eligible for overtime pay in California and elsewhere across the United States.
2. Working more than eight hours per shift
California regulations recognize that long shifts can have as much of a negative effect on workers as working a large amount of hours over the course of a week. Generally speaking, most workers are eligible for overtime pay once they have worked more than eight hours in a shift. There are certain professions, including child care and health care, that are exempt from this rule.
3. Working seven days in a row
The need for rest and to manage personal matters is important for those seeking a healthy work-life balance. Employees generally have the right to at least one day off per week when working in an hourly position. If they must work seven days in a row, even if they work very short shifts, they should receive overtime wages for the work performed on that seventh consecutive day.
Reviewing state overtime regulations can help employees determine if they may be eligible for overtime wages. Employees denied overtime pay that they deserve under California law can potentially take legal action to get the pay they deserve.