Not everyone knows about this in the Golden State: It doesn’t matter if you were born here or what your legal status is. In California, every worker is protected by labor laws, and there’s a wide range of benefits for you.
Know Your Rights; It Matters
Non-exempt employees, especially, should be aware of their rights. This type of worker earns an hourly wage and is eligible for overtime.
An exempt employee receives a salary and does not qualify for overtime pay.
For example, under California law, if you are a non-exempt worker and on the job for more than eight hours in a workday, 40 hours in a workweek or six days in a workweek, you are entitled to overtime pay.
Give Me a Break, Please!
Here’s another right you have: a paid 10-minute rest break for every four hours you work. Also, if you’re on the job for more than five hours a day, you’re entitled to an unpaid 30-minute lunch break. If you’re working 10-plus hours a day, you have a right to a second 30-minute meal break.
Discrimination Has No Place Here
If you’re an employee in California, there are state and federal laws that protect you from workplace discrimination. Neither race, gender, age, religion, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military/veteran status, ethnicity or national origin can be used against you.
Employers cannot deny you work or training, demote, discipline, terminate or otherwise harass or discriminate against you based on the protected characteristics listed above. It’s recommended you file a claim with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if you believe you are a victim of workplace discrimination.
Sexual Harassment Is Unlawful
In California, sexual harassment is against the law under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) as well as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Sexual harassment on the job is defined in two ways:
- Severe inappropriate behavior from supervisors, co-workers or clients that creates a hostile working environment.
- A quid pro quo arrangement where a supervisor conditions a job-related benefit on a sexual favor.
Family and Medical Leave Is Your Right
The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protect you on the job with up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off from work to care for a sick family member.
While on leave, it’s your right to continue receiving healthcare coverage and to return to your same or a similar job.
Know the State Minimum Wage in 2025
Non-exempt workers in California cannot be paid less than the minimum wage. In 2025, California’s minimum wage is $16.50 per hour of work.
Unsafe Working Conditions Are Unlawful
When you’re on the job, no matter where it is in the Golden State, you’re entitled to workplace safety and privacy. You can file a complaint with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or its California equivalent, Cal/OSHA, if you’re a victim of unsafe conditions. Machinery and protective equipment must be maintained, and work sites must be inspected.
If injured on the job, workers’ compensation should cover these costs. Employers cannot retaliate against you for an unsafe workplace or for engaging in whistleblower activities.