California Employment Law
If you’re a California employee, you benefit from some of the most protective employment laws in the nation. While federal employment laws set the minimum requirements that your employer must follow, California gives you many additional rights and benefits under state law. California employees enjoy a wide variety of rights and benefits when it comes to wages, meal periods and rest breaks, discrimination and harassment, time off from work, privacy, and other areas concerning employer-employee relations. California employees with work-related injuries and illnesses also have a right to benefits through California Workers' Compensation.
Employee Rights
Employee Rights
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Are You an Employee or Independent Contractor under California law?
Find out if you’re entitled to the rights and benefits of an employee under California law.
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California Laws on Drug Testing
California's constitution gives employees a right to privacy at work.
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California PTO Laws and Vacation Accrual Caps
Employers must follow certain rules when providing vacation or paid time off in California.
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Accessing Your Personnel File and Payroll Records in California
Employees have the right to inspect and copy payroll and personnel records in California.
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Are Uber Drivers in California Employees or Independent Contractors?
Uber drivers in California are independent contractors, not employees. But that could change.
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California Laws on Employer Use of Arrest and Conviction Records
California's statewide ban-the-box law protects applicants with criminal records.
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How to File a Wage Claim in California
Learn how, when, and where to file a claim for unpaid wages in California.
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California Laws on Smoking in the Workplace
What kinds of workplaces are subject to California workplace smoking laws? Workplace smoking laws apply to workplaces with more than five employees.
Wage and Hour Laws
Wage and Hour Laws
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California Laws for Tipped Employees
Learn the California rules on tips, tip credits, tip pooling, and more.
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Learn whether you are paid correctly under California law.
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California rules on employee overtime, wage and hour law, and fair pay.
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How to File a Wage Claim in California
Learn how, when, and where to file a claim for unpaid wages in California.
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Are Uber Drivers in California Employees or Independent Contractors?
Uber drivers in California are independent contractors, not employees. But that could change.
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Accessing Your Personnel File and Payroll Records in California
Employees have the right to inspect and copy payroll and personnel records in California.
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California PTO Laws and Vacation Accrual Caps
Employers must follow certain rules when providing vacation or paid time off in California.
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Are You an Employee or Independent Contractor under California law?
Find out if you’re entitled to the rights and benefits of an employee under California law.
Pregnancy and Parental Leave
Pregnancy and Parental Leave
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California Paid Family Leave FAQ
California is one of only a few states that provide cash benefits to employees who need time off work to bond with a child or to care for a sick family member.
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Parental Leave in California: What Happens If I Don't Return to Work?
Legal issues to consider if you’re thinking of quitting your job when your parental leave is up.
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California Pregnancy Disability Leave
The vast majority of employees can take time off for pregnancy and childbirth.
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Lactation Accommodation: Mandatory Breaks for Breastfeeding in California
California employees are entitled to lactation breaks under federal and state law.
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Maternity and Paternity Leave in California
Having a child is one of the biggest events to happen in an employee’s life. Both employees and their children can benefit from time together to bond, especially in the first few months of life.
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How Do I Apply for California PFL Benefits?
The fastest way to apply for paid family leave (PFL) benefits is online. The California Employment Development Department (EDD)—the state agency that administers PFL benefits—has a website where you can submit your application. To do so, you will first need to register through the SDI online portal.
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Can I Use Vacation or PTO to Supplement My PFL Benefits?
Yes, if your employer has a paid vacation or PTO policy, you may elect to use your accrued leave to supplement your PFL benefits. This is called “integration.” Your combined PFL benefits and paid leave can be up to 100% of your normal wages, but you cannot receive more than that. For example, if
Losing or Leaving Your Job
Losing or Leaving Your Job
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How to File and Collect Unemployment Benefits in California
If you're a California worker who's been laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic or for any other reason, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits.
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Layoff Protections for California Employees
California and federal WARN laws give employees the right to notice of a layoff.
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Do I Have a Wrongful Termination Claim in California?
California employees who were wrongfully terminated can collect lost wages, benefits, and more.
California Employment Q&A
California Employment Q&A
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Do I get more time off work in California if I had a C-section?
Do I get more time off or more benefits if I have a difficult pregnancy?