California has some of the strongest wage and hour protections in the country. Meal breaks, rest breaks, overtime, split-shift premiums — the law is specific about what workers are owed. The problem is that most workers have no independent record
California Labor and Employment Law Blog
The California Labor and Employment Law Blog, published by the Law Office of Eugene Lee, focuses on legal issues affecting employees in California. It covers topics such as wage and hour claims including unpaid overtime, meal and rest break violations, and paycheck disputes. The blog also addresses wrongful termination cases, discrimination and harassment based on various protected characteristics, and enforcement of labor laws. It discusses recent legislative developments, court rulings, and practical guidance for workers navigating employment disputes. The content reflects the firm's experience representing employees exclusively in workplace claims across California.
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Latest from California Labor and Employment Law Blog
Governor Newsom Signs SB 648: Stronger Protections Against Tip Theft in California
By Eugene Lee
On July 16, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 648 (SB 648) into law, marking a significant step forward in California’s ongoing efforts to combat wage theft and the improper handling of tips. This new legislation adds civil penalties…
When Are Last Checks Due for Temporary / Staffing Agency Workers
By Eugene Lee
Figuring out when last checks are due for temporary / staffing agency workers whose assignments have ended can be confusing. Some argue that each assignment, no matter how brief, represents a separate employment requiring the worker’s last check to be…
California Court of Appeal Confirms Employers Can Use Blanket Meal Period Waivers in Bradsbery et al. v. Vicar Operating, Inc. (2025)
By Eugene Lee
In La Kimba Bradsbery et al. v. Vicar Operating, Inc. (2025), the California Court of Appeal made a significant ruling that affects employee meal breaks across the state. The court held that California employers can require employees to sign prospective,…
Labor Code Trumps Section 998: A Big Win for California Workers in Chavez v. California Collision, LLC (2024) 107 Cal.App.5th 298
By Eugene Lee
California workers who sue their employers for unpaid wages just got a major boost in the courts. In a groundbreaking decision, the California Court of Appeal confirmed in Chavez v. California Collision, LLC (2024) 107 Cal.App.5th 298 that employees cannot…
California Bill Would Strengthen Enforcement Against Employers with Unpaid Wage Judgments (Assembly Bill 485)
By Eugene Lee
A bill introduced in the California Assembly in February 2025 aims to strengthen enforcement of unpaid wage judgments against employers. Assembly Bill 485 (AB 485), introduced by Assemblymember Liz Ortega, would specifically target employers who operate under state-issued licenses or…
California Bill Aims to Increase Penalties for Employer Wage Theft (Senate Bill 261)
By Eugene Lee
In an effort to combat wage theft and improve enforcement in Santa Clara County and across California, State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward) introduced Senate Bill 261 (SB 261) in February 2025. Sponsored by the County of Santa Clara, the proposed…
California Bill Seeks Stronger Enforcement Against Wage Theft (Senate Bill 355)
By Eugene Lee
In February 2025, a bill introduced in the California Senate aims to strengthen enforcement against employers who fail to pay workers their legally owed wages. Senate Bill 355 (SB 355), authored by Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena), would grant the…
Proposed Law Seeks to Give Employees a Better Alternative to the Backlogged Labor Board (Senate Bill 310)
By Eugene Lee
In February of 2025, California State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced SB 310, a bill aimed at improving workers’ access to justice when employers pay their wages late or not at all. Currently, workers typically file wage claims with…
Reports Show Rampant California Wage Violations and Poor Enforcement by State Agencies
By Eugene Lee
The Harvard-UCSF Report The Harvard Kennedy School and the University of California at San Francisco have issued a report that shows rampant wage violations occurring in California workplaces. A copy of the report can be downloaded here. Some highlights from…