Local Labor Ordinances in Orange County

While statewide laws provide a baseline, many cities and industries within Orange County have their own specific regulations. These local ordinances often provide greater protections or higher wage requirements than state law, and employers must comply with whichever standard is more favorable to the employee.

City-Specific Minimum Wages

Several cities across California have enacted their own minimum wage ordinances that exceed the state requirement. While no cities within Orange County currently have a city-wide minimum wage higher than the state’s, it’s a growing trend in California. Employers should stay informed about potential changes in their specific municipality.

Industry-Specific Wage Laws

Certain sectors in California are subject to specific wage and hour laws. For example:

  • Fast Food Workers: A new state law established a $20 per hour minimum wage for employees at large fast-food chains, effective April 1, 2024. This applies to qualifying fast-food restaurants across Orange County.
  • Healthcare Workers: A statewide law is set to raise the minimum wage for many healthcare workers in phases, with some facilities required to pay at least $23 per hour starting in 2024. This impacts numerous hospitals and healthcare providers in Orange County.

Navigating these overlapping state, local, and industry-specific laws can be challenging. An experienced Orange County employment law attorney can help clarify which regulations apply to your situation.

An Overview of California Employment Law

Before diving into local specifics, it’s important to understand the foundation of employment law in California. The state has some of the most robust worker protections in the country, and these laws apply to every employer in Orange County.

Key Statewide Regulations

Here are some of the critical California labor laws that affect the employer-employee relationship:

Minimum Wage:

California has a statewide minimum wage that is adjusted periodically. Employers must pay non-exempt employees at least this hourly rate.

Overtime:

Non-exempt employees who work more than eight hours in a day, 40 hours in a week, or for seven consecutive days are generally entitled to overtime pay. This is typically calculated at 1.5 times their regular rate of pay, and double time in certain circumstances.

Meal and Rest Breaks:

California law requires employers to provide employees with specific break periods. This usually includes a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over five hours and a 10-minute paid rest break for every four hours worked.

Anti-Discrimination and Harassment:

The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employers from discriminating against or harassing employees based on protected characteristics like race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

Wrongful Termination:

While California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning an employer can fire an employee for almost any reason, they cannot terminate employment for an illegal reason. Firing an employee in retaliation for reporting harassment or for a discriminatory reason constitutes wrongful termination.

Why Choose Glaser Labor Law in Orange County?

When you are facing a workplace issue, you need a legal team with deep experience and a genuine commitment to your case. Glaser Labor Law has built a reputation in Orange County for providing tenacious and effective legal representation.

Our attorneys are dedicated specialists in California employment law. We have successfully represented employees in a wide variety of cases, securing significant settlements and verdicts that have helped our clients move forward. However, our success isn’t just measured in numbers; it’s seen in the testimonials of the clients we’ve served. They speak to our compassionate approach, clear communication, and unwavering dedication to protecting their rights.

Whether you are an employee who has been treated unfairly or an employer seeking to ensure compliance and prevent disputes, our firm is here to provide the guidance you need.

Take the Next Step With Glaser Labor Law

Understanding California employment laws and workers’ rights is crucial for both employers and their employees. Learning about California labor law from our qualified employment lawyers may help businesses avoid costly lawsuits and workers avoid injustices in the workplace.

Our employment law attorneys are recognized for their skill in resolving labor disputes on behalf of business owners, employees, and labor unions. If you need advice about workplace rights or need legal assistance concerning a workplace issue, contact our employment attorneys as soon as possible by calling (310) 803-9886 to set up a free consultation.