If you are an employer in the city of Berkeley, CA, it is important that you understand the state and city minimum wage laws. This is a critical step, as it allows you to protect your business and ensure that your employees are being paid a fair and reasonable wage.
Berkeley Minimum Wage 2023
Berkeley, California, is one of the most progressive cities in the United States. It has a minimum wage that is higher than many other cities. However, it is not enough to meet the cost of living in this city. There are several ways to help workers in Berkeley earn a living wage.
Berkeley’s Labor Commission has been investigating whether to increase the minimum wage in this city. This proposal could affect small business owners.
The city’s current minimum wage is $8 per hour. This is less than the national minimum of $15.
But if the City Council passes this ordinance, the city’s base rate would rise to $15 by 2019. This is a significant increase. Many workers in Berkeley may have to find another job elsewhere if they want to earn a living.
If an employer fails to comply with this law, they could face fines or administrative citations. They could also be sued. Employers who retaliate against employees who challenge their wages or conditions could face a civil penalty of up to $500.
Another ordinance that the City Council passed includes paid sick leave. Workers have the right to predictable work schedules. And employers have to post a notice of the minimum wage in their workplace.
Currently, a student working 20 hours a week at $9 per hour can earn $4,000 a year. But the Living Wage Act of 2022 calls for a wage increase to $18 an hour.
Exempt employees
If you are an employer in Berkeley, CA, you must follow local workforce standards. These include the minimum wage law. If you are paying employees more than $25k per year, you must provide employees with paid time off and health benefits. If you do not comply with these laws, you may be liable for fines.
The California Labor Code contains exemptions from the minimum wage law. These include professional, executive, and administrative workers. Professional employees are considered exempt if they are engaged in the exercise of independent judgment, knowledge, or skills. They are also exempt if they are engaged in managerial, creative, or intellectual work.
In California, exempt employees must earn at least twice the state’s minimum hourly wage. For example, if the state’s minimum wage is $9 an hour, an exempt employee must receive at least $684 per week.
Living wage
The city of Berkeley has proposed a new living wage law that will require employers to pay their workers at least a living wage. This is a higher minimum wage than the state and federal minimum wage, but it is not enough to cover the cost of living in Berkeley.
The law is aimed at improving the lives of workers in the city and its surrounding communities. It also provides a way for employees to use pre-tax wages for public transit. Besides requiring businesses to provide a living wage, the city will also allow employers to offer free transportation to and from work for their employees.
The Living Wage Act of 2022 is expected to raise the minimum wage in California to $18 an hour by 2026. Given the increasing cost of living in the state, the increase is considered reasonable.
Retaliation
The Berkeley minimum wage standard applies to all employers and employees working in Berkeley. It also includes tips. It’s a good idea to review your employee handbook to ensure you are complying with the new law.
Several years ago, the city council of Berkeley passed an ordinance aimed at increasing the minimum wage. It was approved over the objections of business groups. The ordinance is now in effect and it has been shown to protect hundreds of workers.
In the broader context of the state’s minimum wage and whistleblower protection laws, retaliation against workers is still a big concern. Retaliation can take many forms, from last minute schedule changes to firing and unfair disciplinary action. The law is designed to curb this type of behavior and protects hundreds of employees.
Other California localities with established minimum wage laws
In addition to the state minimum wage, several localities have enacted their own minimum wages. These laws can be compared to the state minimum wage, but vary in some ways.
In most cases, a local minimum wage is set based on the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the area. If the CPI goes up, the minimum wage will go up. In contrast, if the CPI decreases, the minimum wage will stay the same.
In California, there are dozens of local minimum wage ordinances. These laws vary by city and county. If you’re an employer in any of these areas, it’s essential to know the minimum wage in your area.
For instance, there are thirteen localities that have announced minimum wage increases for July 1, 2020. You can view notices on each city’s website. You can also visit the UC Berkeley Labor Center for more information on the law.
