Are undocumented workers protected by California Labor Laws?
A. Yes. All California workers — whether or not they are legally authorized to work in the United States — are protected by state laws regulating wages and working conditions. All California workers have the right: • To receive a minimum wage of $6.75 per hour • To earn overtime pay — with some exceptions — after working more than eight hours per day or more than 40 hours in one week • To file wage claims with the state labor commissioner if they believe their employer has violated state wage laws • To file workplace safety and health complaints with Cal/OSHA, the states workplace safety and health program • To work in an environment free from retaliation for exercising their rights. The California Department of Industrial Relations – which enforces the states labor and workplace safety and health laws – will not question workers about their immigrant status. The department will: • Process all wage claims without regard to a workers immigration status • Hold hearings to recover unp
