Fair Pay and Safety Rights for California Employees 

February 2, 2026

Your Guide to Overtime Pay, Discrimination, Safety Concerns, and Reporting Incidents 

Every worker deserves to feel safe, valued, and fairly paid. Yet many California employees are unsure about their rights, or have been told they don’t have any. 

This guide breaks down four core areas every California worker should understand: 

• How overtime pay works 
• What to do if you experience or witness discrimination 
• How to address workplace safety concerns 
• How to report an incident at work, safely and effectively 

And most importantly:

You are not alone. If something feels wrong at work, trust your instincts, California law may offer important protections. 

1. Getting Paid Fairly for Overtime 

California has some of the strongest overtime protections in the country. Still, many workers report confusion, or concerns, about how overtime should be paid. 

California Overtime Rules 

Employees are generally entitled to overtime pay when they work: 

• More than 8 hours in a single day 
• More than 40 hours in a week 
• More than 6 consecutive days in a week 

Overtime Rates 

• 1.5× your regular rate after 8 hours in a day 
• 2× your regular rate after 12 hours in a day 
• 2× your regular rate on the 7th consecutive day after 8 hours 

Common Overtime Issues Employees Report 

Workers often raise concerns related to: 

• Being classified as “salary” even though their job duties may require hourly status 
• Receiving a flat daily rate regardless of hours worked 
• Noticing missing or reduced hours on timecards
• Being asked to “clock out” but continue working 
• Being labeled “exempt” even though duties may not meet exemption requirements  

If any of these sound familiar, it may be helpful to understand your rights or speak with a professional. 

2. What to Do If You See or Experience Discrimination 

Workplace discrimination is more than unfair treatment, it is prohibited under California law. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) offers broad protections. FEHA generally prohibits discrimination based on: 

• Race or ethnicity 
• Color 
• National origin 
• Sex, gender identity, sexual orientation 
• Pregnancy or childbirth 
• Age (40+)  
• Disability or medical condition 
• Religion 
• Marital or veteran status 

Reporting concerns does not make you a “troublemaker.” California law generally prohibits retaliation for good-faith complaints. 

3. How to Deal with Safety Concerns at Work 

Every worker has the right to a safe and healthy work environment.  

Your Safety Rights Under California Law 

Under Cal/OSHA, employers are required to follow safety standards designed to protect employees. These standards generally include: 

• Providing a workplace free from recognized hazards 
• Offering appropriate safety training 
• Supplying necessary safety equipment 
• Taking steps to prevent harmful exposure to chemicals or toxins 

 Examples of Safety Violations 

• Faulty equipment 
• Not enough staff to perform job duties safely 
• Exposure to chemicals without proper protection 
• Workplace violence or threats 
• Lack of emergency exits 
• Forcing employees to work while sick 

What You Can Do 

• Document hazards 
• Report to a supervisor or HR 
• File a Cal/OSHA complaint (you can do this confidentially) 
• Seek legal help  

4. How to Report an Incident at Work  

Reporting workplace concerns, including harassment, wage issues, or safety hazards, is generally considered a protected activity under California law.  

Steps to Report an Incident Safely 

1. Write down what happened – Include dates, times, who was involved, what was said, and any witnesses. 
2. Save evidence – Emails, photos, text messages, video recordings (if legal), or HR notes. 
3. Follow company reporting procedures – Most employee handbooks outline the process. 
4. Report in writing if possible – Written reports create a clear paper trail. 
5. Monitor any changes in treatment – If you suddenly experience hostility or discipline after reporting.  

You Deserve Safety, Fair Pay, and Respect 

Every employee in California deserves a workplace where they feel: 

• Safe 
• Respected 
• Heard 
• Protected 

But many workers stay silent because they fear retaliation or losing their job. 

Here’s the truth: 

You do not have to face workplace injustice alone. 

At Abramson Labor Group, we stand beside California workers every day. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid overtime, discrimination, unsafe conditions, or retaliation, we’re here to protect your rights and your dignity. 

Need Guidance? We’re Here to Help. 

If something feels wrong at work reach out. 

Contact Abramson Labor Group for a free, confidential intake assessment.