While an employee’s contract may state how long they are required to work in a week, many California employees work more than their given time. Employees who work extra during a week may lose out on personal time, but working extra does not go unnoticed. Some employees are entitled to overtime pay.
Overtime pay is increased wages an employee can earn for working more than eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Here is what you should know:
How much do employees earn during overtime?
Employers may have to ask their employees to work overtime to complete major projects. When they do, an employee is entitled to overtime. In California, employees entitled to overtime pay may be given one-and-a-half times their typical pay for working more than eight hours in a workday, 40 hours in a workweek or for the first eight hours on the seventh consecutive work day in a week. In other words, an employee who earns $20 an hour can earn $30 in overtime pay after working eight hours.
If an employee works more than 12 hours in a workday or more than eight hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in a week, they are entitled to twice the amount of wages. For example, an employee who earns $20 an hour can earn $40 after working more than 12 hours in any workday.
What can employees do if they do not receive overtime pay?
If an employee does not receive overtime pay for working extra, they may discuss the matter with their employer. However, if an employer refuses to pay their employee, the employee can seek professional legal guidance to recover stolen wages.