MINIMUM WAGE MADNESS
What was the first federal minimum wage set at?
The federal minimum wage was first established at $0.25 per hour in 1938 by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
True or False: An employer can legally fire an employee for speaking up about wage theft or reporting unsafe working conditions.
False. Retaliation against employees for reporting violations is illegal.
Can your employer fire you at any time for any reason?
Yes, if you're in an "at-will" job, your employer can fire you at any time and for almost any reason, as long as it’s not illegal (cannot be because of your race, gender, etc). You can also quit anytime without any penalty.
If you work more than 5 hours in California, how long does your meal break have to be?
You are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid meal break if you work more than 5 hours in a day.
How many hours in a typical work week are considered 'normal' before overtime pay kicks in?
The normal work week is 40 hours for every 7 day period.
What is the minimum wage in California as of January 1, 2025?
On January 1, 2025, California’s state minimum wage will increase to $16.50 per hour for all employers.
How often must employers in California pay their employees?
Employers in California must pay employees at least twice a month.
Additionally, employees must receive a wage statement, which shows how much they earned, how many hours they worked, and any deductions made.
Can your employer fire you because of your race, gender, or religion?
No, that would be illegal. Employers cannot fire you for things like your race, gender, religion, or disability because it's against the law.
How many rest breaks are you entitled to if you work 8 hours in California?
You are entitled to two 10-minute paid rest breaks – one after 4 hours of work, and another after 8 hours.
How much more do you get paid for overtime work compared to your regular hourly wage?
50% more (1.5 times your regular pay)
What is the U.S. federal minimum wage as of 2025?
As of 2025, the US federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour
The federal minimum wage hasn't been raised since 2009, remaining at $7.25 per hou
Can an employer take part of your tips if you work in a job where you get tips?
No! Tips belong to the worker.
Can your employer withhold your paycheck if you decide to quit your job?
No! Even if you quit or you are fired, your employer still has to pay you for the hours you worked up until your last day.
If you work 12 hours in a day, how many meal breaks are you entitled to?
You are entitled to two 30-minute unpaid meal breaks if you work more than 12 hours in a day.
What is overtime pay?
Time and a ½ your regular hourly rate or pay
For example, if your wage is $15/ hour, overtime pay would be $22.5/ hour for each hour of overtime worked
Which U.S. state has the highest minimum wage?
Washington State!
If D.C. was a state, it would be D.C. with the minimum wage being $17.50 per hour.
T/F: If you're injured at work, does your employer have to help you pay for medical treatment?
Yes! If you're hurt at work, your employer must help pay for your medical treatment through workers' compensation.
It doesn’t matter who was at fault for the injury. In most cases, you can get benefits even if you are a temporary or part-time worker. You have a right to workers’ compensation regardless of your immigration status.
True or False: An employer can legally fire an employee for speaking up about wage theft or reporting unsafe working conditions.
False. Retaliation against employees for reporting violations is illegal.
Can an employer make you skip your meal break if you agree to it in California?
No, in California, your employer cannot make you skip your meal break. It’s a legal requirement that you get a 30-minute break if you work more than 5 hours.
If an employer fails to provide an employee a meal period in accordance with an applicable IWC Order, the employer must pay one additional hour of pay at the employee's regular rate of pay for each workday that the meal period is not provided.
What is the pay rate for hours worked over 12 hours in a single day
Double your regular hourly rate (double time).
Here’s a breakdown:
Normal Hours: For the first 8 hours of the day, the employee is paid their regular hourly rate.
Overtime (1.5x): For the next 4 hours, if the employee works between 8 to 12 hours in a day, they are paid 1.5 times their regular hourly rate.
Double Time: For any hours worked beyond 12 hours in a single day, the employee must be paid double their regular hourly rate.
As of 2024, what is the minimum wage for fast food workers in California under the new law?
$20.00 per hour.
If you're not a U.S. citizen, are you still protected by labor laws at work?
Yes! Labor laws protect all workers, no matter their immigration status.
If you are fired, how long does your employer have to give you your final paycheck?
In California, if you are fired, your employer must give you your final paycheck immediately, including any unused vacation time. If you quit, they have to give it to you within 72 hours (3 days)
Waiting time penalty • 1 day’s pay for each day late • Up to 30 days
If your employer makes you stay at the workplace during your meal break, do they need to pay you for that time?
Yes! If you're required to stay at the worksite during your meal break, the break is considered "on duty" and you must be paid for that time, even if you're not actively working. Bono Enterprises, In. v. Bradshaw (1995) 32 Cal.App.4th 968.
How many days can you work in a row before you get paid extra for working more than 8 hours, in California?
6 days. (After 6 days, if you work more than 8 hours on the 7th day, you get extra pay.)