
Steven Tindall
An employment-law litigator with over 20 years’ experience, Steven Tindall is well-acquainted with navigating the ins-and-outs of the California labor code. His largest recovery in a single employment case is $29 million.
Q: What are the differences between California labor law and federal labor law?
A: The primary difference between California and federal labor law is that generally, California labor law is much more favorable to workers’ rights than is federal law. The 2022 minimum wage in California ($15) is higher than the federal minimum wage ($7.25). California requires workers get paid for all hours worked, whereas federal labor law allows uncompensated hours for tasks that are “ancillary” to the employee’s primary job duties. Workers who are misclassified as independent contractors in California can recover hefty penalties under the California labor code, whereas federal labor law has no penalties recoverable by workers.
California also requires employers provide reimbursement for all business expenses, whereas federal labor law allows an employer to refuse to pay business expenses as long as workers are earning minimum wage (once you factor in owed reimbursement for business expenses). California requires unpaid meal and paid rest breaks, whereas federal law does not. California guarantees workers a certain number of sick days, and any vacation days they earn can be cashed out at the end of their employment. Federal law has no similar mechanism.
Lastly, federal law strictly ignores time that employees are forced to work off-the-clock if it is in smaller than, generally, a 10-minute increment. California off-the-clock law does not adopt this federal de minimis doctrine, and will compensate smaller amounts of time if they add up to a larger amount.
Our employment lawyers have decades of experience litigating under California labor law. Whether your employer has misclassified you, denied you overtime pay, refused to reimburse business-related expenses, or otherwise violated your rights, we’re here to help. Contact us for a free consultation. No obligations. And we’ll keep anything you say confidential.
1-800-254-9493
An employment-law litigator with over 20 years’ experience, Steven Tindall is well-acquainted with navigating the ins-and-outs of the California labor code. His largest recovery in a single employment case is $29 million.
Prior to joining us at Gibbs Law Group LLP, Linda Lam worked at a national employment law firm, where she represented workers in lawsuits to recover unpaid wages and benefits.
Steve has prosecuted a variety of complex employment cases involving misclassification of independent contractors. He is fluent in English and Spanish.
If you’ve been misclassified, denied overtime pay, or not reimbursed for business related expenses you may have a claim. Speak to our employment attorneys for a free consultation.
1-800-254-9493
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