California is known for its progressive labor laws, designed to protect the rights and welfare of employees across the state. These laws cover a wide range of topics from wage and hour regulations to workplace safety and discrimination protections, making California one of the most employee-friendly states in the U.S.
Protections under California labor laws
California’s labor laws provide protections that are often more comprehensive than federal laws. The minimum wage, for example, is higher than the federal minimum and varies by city and county. The state also mandates meal and rest breaks, allowing a 30-minute meal break for workers who work more than 5 hours and a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours.
Additionally, California offers strong protections against discrimination and harassment in the workplace, and supports employees with generous family leave policies, including paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave benefits. These laws help to better ensure that workers are compensated fairly for their time, treated with respect in their work environment, and supported during significant life events.
Updates to the law in 2025
One of the reasons California’s labor laws are so progressive is the fact that they are constantly evolving. Every year, lawmakers add new or adjust current laws to better ensure employees are protected within the workplace. Notable changes this year include the following:
- Increase to minimum wage: As in previous years, lawmakers have increased the state’s minimum wage for most workers from $16 per hour in 2024 to $16.50 per hour in 2025 to better account for inflation.
- Protection for independent contractors: A new law requires employers to provide a written contract for independent contractors that outlines the payment and terms of the agreement. It also requires full payment by the due date or, if the agreement does not specify a due date, within 30 days after completion.
- Paid family leave: Lawmakers changed a prior law that required California workers use up to two weeks of paid vacation time before they could begin to receive California Paid Family Leave Program benefits. Another change increases the amount workers receive while on leave from 70% to 90% of their annual pay. This applies to workers who make less than $63,000 annually.
- Paid sick leave: Changes also include an expansion for paid family leave for employees who help a family member who is the victim of a crime, including instances of domestic violence.
These are just a few of the most recent changes.
Steps to take when workers’ rights are violated
Whether from a lack of knowledge or an intentional violation, workers have options if an employer violates these labor laws. Workers who find themselves in this situation are wise to keep detailed records of the incidents to support potential legal actions. It is important to follow proper protocol when reporting the issue. This often involves starting by discussing the issue with your HR department. If that does not resolve the issue, you may need to move forward with further legal action.