Gov. Davis has signed new legislation that boosts the penalties for various California Labor Code violations, effective Jan. 1, 2004. Here are the increases that are on the way:
- Failure to pay wages. The fine for not paying wages, including overtime, or for illegally withholding wages doubles to $100 for a first offense. For subsequent or willful offenses, the fine increases to $200 plus 25 percent of the amount illegally withheld.
- Minimum wage violations. The penalty for not paying the minimum wage is $100 for initial, unintentional violations.
- Contractor’s license violations. Penalties increase to $200 per day of work for hiring an individual who doesn’t hold a valid state contractor’s license but employs workers to perform services that require a license. Similarly, an individual who has a valid state contractor’s license will be hit with a penalty of $200 per person per day for knowingly hiring a contractor to perform services requiring a license if that person doesn’t have a license or doesn’t meet the requirements for an independent contractor.
The HR Management & Compliance Report: How To Comply with California Wage & Hour Law, explains everything you need to know to stay in compliance with the state’s complex and ever-changing rules, laws, and regulations in this area. Coverage on bonuses, meal and rest breaks, overtime, alternative workweeks, final paychecks, and more.