Trusted Employment Law Attorneys in California 

At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, our Santa Barbara employment lawyers have protected the rights of California workers since 1956. 

We know that when California employers mistreat their employees, everyone loses. 

Productivity suffers, company morale decreases, and a feeling of ill-will develops between the employees and company management. Unfortunately, the unlawful treatment of employees can occur in countless ways throughout the state. That is why we are here. 

If your workplace rights have been violated by a public or private employer anywhere in California, our decades of legal experience and extensive resources help our clients pursue the best legal remedies available as we stand side-by-side while holding their employer liable for their overall recovery needs. 

With eight offices throughout the state, we are dedicated to serving our California workforce when and where they need us. We are more than employment law attorneys, we are advocates who provide precise legal advice and representation that exceeds our clients’ expectations so they can focus on taking back control of their lives. 

What Are the Differences Between California Labor Laws and Federal Labor Laws? 

The specific differences between California labor laws and federal labor laws are notable and can impact various aspects of employment.

Here are some key distinctions:

• Worker Protections: California labor law generally provides more extensive protections for workers compared to federal labor law, particularly in areas such as overtime pay, discrimination, and workplace safety. 
• Overtime Laws: While both federal and California laws mandate overtime pay for nonexempt employees working beyond a certain threshold, California's overtime laws may go further than the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by imposing additional requirements, such as daily overtime after a certain number of hours worked in a day.
• Discrimination Protections: California's employment law offers broader protection against discrimination than federal law, encompassing additional categories beyond those covered by federal law, such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and genetic information.
• Wage and Hour Laws: California state wage and hour laws may diverge from the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in key provisions, affecting areas such as minimum wage, meal and rest breaks, and overtime requirements for private sector employers.

These differences highlight the distinct regulatory landscape in California, emphasizing the need for employers and employees to be well-versed in both state and federal labor laws to ensure compliance and protection of rights.

We are champions for justice, starting with your case. Contact us today to learn more.