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Top 5 Employee Rights Every Californian Worker Should Know in 2025

January 28, 2025

California has long been a leader in protecting workers’ rights, and 2025 brings continued emphasis on fair treatment, safety, and equity in the workplace. Whether you’re starting a new job or navigating workplace challenges, knowing your rights is key to protecting yourself. Here are the top 5 employee rights every Californian worker should know in 2025:

1. Right to Fair Wages

California continues to uphold some of the highest minimum wage standards in the country. As of January 1, 2025:

  • The statewide minimum wage is $16.50 per hour for all employers.
  • Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have local ordinances with even higher minimum wages—some exceeding $18 per hour.

Additionally, employees are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked over 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, and double-time for hours over 12 in a single day.

2. Right to Paid Sick Leave

Under California’s Healthy Workplace Healthy Family Act, employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. In 2025, many local jurisdictions, such as Los Angeles and Oakland, provide more generous sick leave policies, so be sure to check your city’s specific rules.

Workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or other public health emergencies may also qualify for supplemental paid sick leave, depending on local and state regulations.

3. Protection from Workplace Discrimination

California has some of the broadest protections against discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Workers are protected from discrimination and harassment based on:

  • Race
  • Gender
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Sexual orientation
  • Age (40 and over)
  • Gender identity and expression
  • Marital status
  • National origin

In 2025, California continues to enforce protections under the CROWN Act, which bans workplace discrimination based on natural hairstyles associated with race, such as braids, locs, and twists.

4. The Right to a Safe Workplace

Under Cal/OSHA, employees have the right to work in environments free from recognized hazards. This includes protections from exposure to harmful chemicals, unsafe equipment, and even workplace violence.

In 2025, new regulations focus on protecting workers from extreme heat and poor air quality caused by wildfires, which are increasingly common in California. If you feel unsafe, you have the right to file a complaint with Cal/OSHA, even anonymously.

5. Whistleblower Protections

California law shields employees who report unlawful activities or unsafe conditions from retaliation. Under the Labor Code, whistleblowers are protected when reporting issues such as:

  • Wage theft
  • Safety violations
  • Discrimination
  • Fraud or illegal practices by the employer

If an employer retaliates against you for speaking up, you may be entitled to compensation and other remedies.


Why Knowing Your Rights Matters in 2025

California employees have access to some of the strongest labor laws in the U.S., but those rights mean little if workers aren’t aware of them. If you suspect a violation of your rights, consult with an employment attorney to explore your options.

For more insights into California labor law, stay tuned to our blog or contact us at Labor Law PC to learn how we can help.

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    Danny Yadidsion

    Labor Law PC

    Top rated employment and labor attorney in Los Angeles, California