The Top 5 California Employment Law Changes for 2024
Employers subject to California’s employment laws will see a few additions in 2024, according to Caroline Donelan, partner at Blank Rome. Changes will affect compensation, leave and cannabis rights, among other things.
Donelan outlined what she deemed the “top five” legal updates coming out of the Golden State in a Dec. 7 webinar.
A $16 per hour minimum wage
As some jurisdictions move to a $15 minimum wage, California will stay ahead of the curve. “In true California fashion, we saw your $15 and we raised you $1,” Donelan said. The $16 minimum wage takes effect Jan. 1 for all employers, regardless of size. Moreover, “you have to think about the fact that this not only affects your hourly workers, but this raises the minimum salary threshold for your exempt employees as well,” Donelan added. “So that now is up to $66,560 per year.”
Some California cities have higher minimum wages as well and employers also must keep an eye on industry-specific requirements. The state sets separate wage requirements for healthcare workers, for example.
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"The Top 5 California Employment Law Changes for 2024," by Kate Thornone was published in HR Dive on December 29, 2023.