California Employment Law Quick Reference
Essential California employment law rules at a glance
PAGA
Private Attorneys General Act
- Cannot be waived by arbitration
- $100-$200 per employee, per pay period, per violation
- One employee can represent entire workforce
- Most common: Meal/rest break violations
AB 5
Independent Contractor Test
- ABC Test: Must pass all 3 criteria
- A: Free from control & direction
- B: Outside usual course of business
- C: Independently established trade
FEHA
Fair Employment & Housing Act
- Covers employers with 5+ employees
- Broader protections than federal law
- Mandatory harassment training required
- Must investigate complaints promptly
Wage & Hour
California-Specific Rules
- Min wage: $16.90/hour (Current 2026)
- Overtime after 8 hours/day
- Double time after 12 hours/day
- 30-min meal break before end of 5th hour
- 10-min rest break per 4 hours
Leave Laws
CFRA, PDL, Paid Sick Leave
- CFRA: 5+ employees (not 50 like FMLA)
- PDL: Up to 4 months pregnancy leave
- Paid Sick: Min 40 hours/year
- Both parents can take leave together
Termination
Final Paycheck Rules
- Employer fires: Immediate payment
- Employee quits: Within 72 hours
- Must include all accrued vacation
- Waiting time penalty: up to 30 days wages