January is when many employees take a fresh look at their paystubs, schedules, and workplace policies and quietly wonder: “Is this legal?” Under California labor laws and California employment law, you have powerful California workplace rights, even if your employer never explains them.
Minimum wage and pay.
Effective January 1, 2026, the California minimum wage increases to $16.90 per hour for most employees, which also raises the minimum salary for many exempt positions. If your pay rate does not reflect this change, or if you are paid a flat amount regardless of how many hours you work, you may be facing wage theft or unpaid wages in California.
Overtime and off-the-clock work.
California overtime law generally requires overtime after 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, and double time in longer shifts. If you regularly work before clocking in, after clocking out, or through “off-the-clock” tasks, those hours should usually still count as paid time.
Meal and rest breaks.
Under California meal and rest break laws, most employees have the right to real, off-duty meal periods and paid rest breaks. Being pressured to work through lunch, take late breaks, or skip breaks altogether can trigger additional pay owed for each missed or shortened break.
Sick leave and time off for violence-related issues.
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