California Overtime Law

The State of California has Stringent Overtime Laws

In January of 2000, new overtime regulations went into effect for the state of California. Hourly workers working more than 8 hours in a day must be paid overtime for all hours over 8 hours. Additionally, workers working more than 12 hours must be paid double time. Workers working 7 days straight must be paid overtime for the 7th day, and double time after 8 hours.

California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement can assess penalties.

Employers failing to observe these new regulations can be assessed penalties by the "DLSE" in the amount of $50 per unpaid worker for each pay period the worker wasn't paid correctly. A complaint by a single employee can trigger a full review of an employer's records, potentially resulting in a penalties if any employee pay calculations are out of compliance.

Exceptions to California Labor Laws

There are only two exceptions to these overtime pay requirements. Workers working under a collective bargaining agreement that provides for some overtime pay, and specifies that the worker will receive at least 30% above the state minimum wage.

The second exception is where employers implement an "alternative workweek schedule", and such a schedule receives approval of two/thirds of their workforce. This allows employees to work four day shifts of up to 10 hours without receiving overtime, so long as the total hours don't go over 40 hours.

For more detailed information on California overtime laws, click here.

Spectrum TimeClock Supports Calculate California Overtime Pay Rules

Spectrum TimeClock supports California overtime laws for overtime, double time, and 7th day overtime calculations, by allowing employers to define an employee as being a "California - Full Time - Hourly" or "California - Part Time - Hourly" employee. Firms with employees both in and out of California can designate non-California employees as "Full Time - Hourly" or "Part Time - Hourly" employees, and their payroll calculations will be performed normally.

Resources

Time Clock Software
Time Card Calculator
California Labor Law Posters
Workplace Postings