What are the current labor laws in California, and what do employers need to know in order to remain compliant?

As a lawyer, I am happy to provide legal advice on the current labor laws in California and what employers need to know in order to remain compliant.

First, it's important to note that California has some of the strongest labor laws in the country. Employers must not only follow federal laws, but state laws as well, which can be stricter. Some key California labor laws that employers should be aware of include:

1. Minimum wage: The current minimum wage in California is $13.00 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees and $14.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees. This wage is set to increase annually until 2023.
2. Overtime pay: California law requires employers to provide overtime pay for any hours worked over 8 hours in a day and 40 hours in a week. Overtime pay must be at least 1.5 times the employee's regular rate of pay.
3. Meal and rest breaks: California law requires employers to provide meal and rest breaks to non-exempt employees. Employees are entitled to a 30-minute meal break after working 5 hours. They are also entitled to a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked.
4. Paid sick leave: California law requires employers to provide their employees with at least 3 days of paid sick leave per year.
5. Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): This law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion, disability, and sexual orientation.
6. Workers' compensation: Employers in California are required to carry workers' compensation insurance to cover their employees if they are injured on the job.

To remain compliant, employers should make sure they are following all of these laws and others that may apply to their particular industry. They should also keep accurate records of employee hours worked, breaks taken, and wages paid. Additionally, employers should make sure that their policies and procedures are in line with California law, and that they are training their managers and employees to comply with these laws as well.

If a violation of these laws is suspected, employers should act quickly to address and correct the issue. Failure to do so can result in legal action, including lawsuits and fines.

In some cases, there may be exceptions or limitations to these laws, such as for certain industries or for employees who are exempt from overtime pay. In these situations, employers should seek guidance from a legal professional to ensure they are in compliance.

Overall, it's crucial that employers in California stay up-to-date on the latest labor laws and regulations, and take all necessary steps to remain compliant.