Employers in California must ensure they follow all applicable labor laws. This state has some of the strictest labor laws in the country, most of which provide valuable protections for the employees.
There are two specific guidelines that employers are likely going to encounter if they have employees.
1. California requires meal periods
California requires that employees who work at least five hours have a meal period. A second meal period is required at the tenth hour of work in a single shift. Employees who are supposed to have two meal periods can waive one of those with the employer’s agreement. All meal periods must be at least 30 minutes. These are unpaid as long as the employee is fully relieved of all work-related duties.
2. Last paychecks have time limits
Employees must receive their final paycheck on their last day they work if they provide the employer with at least 72 hours notice or if they’re terminated. If the employee doesn’t give notice, the employer has 72 hours from the time the employee quits to issue their paycheck. The final check must include all wages earned and all accrued vacation time. Other guidelines may exist for people in specific industries, such as those who work in oil drilling.
Complete compliance with all applicable labor laws is the only way that employers can avoid legal trouble. Even with compliance, they may find themselves battling claims from employees, so the employer would have to show that they did comply with the laws. It may be beneficial to have someone familiar with these guidelines working with them to get company policies set up and to fight against employee claims.