New Local and State Laws for Workers – Center on Policy Initiatives

new local & state laws for workers

Know Your Rights

New minimum wage in the City of San Diego

Starting January 1, 2024, people who work at least two hours in the City of San Diego should be paid a minimum of $16.85 an hour.

New minimum wage in the State of California

Starting January 1, 2024, all workers in the State of California should be paid a minimum of $16.00 an hour.

SB 616, Paid Sick and Safe Leave

Starting January 1, 2024, all workers in the State of California will have access to 5 sick days or 40 hours of sick leave. Since 2016 workers in the City of San Diego have had access to 5 sick days. Now all workers in San Diego County will have the same access to sick leave.

SB 497, Equal Pay & Anti-Retaliation

It will now be assumed as retaliation if an employer takes negative action against a worker who stands up for their rights. Retaliation can be a reduction in hours, pay, firing, harassment or other negative actions. Under the law workers could collect up to a $10,000 penalty.

AB 1228, Fast Food Worker Minimum Wage

Starting April 2024, the minimum wage for fast food workers will be $20 an hour.

SB 525, Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage

Starting June 2024, the minimum wage for health care workers will be at least $21 an hour, and can be higher depending on the health care facility. The new law covers nurses, physicians, CNAs, janitors, food staff, clerical workers, etc. In January of this year Governor Newsom stated he is looking to delay implementation of the wage increases. Check back for updates.

AB 800, Workplace Readiness Week

The new law requires all California public high schools, including charter schools, to designate a week to teach students about their rights as workers, including the right to unionize. Schools will also be required to include workers’ rights topics into the regular school curriculum during 11th and 12th grade.

If you think your rights have been violated you can get help or file a claim at one of the places below:

State Labor Commissioner

wagetheftisacrime.com

Office of Labor Standards & Enforcement County of San Diego

http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/OLSE.html

Office of Labor Standards Enforcement City of San Diego

http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/OLSE.html