Understanding Your Workplace Rights
Penn Properties is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. This page provides a comprehensive overview of important workplace rights and employer responsibilities under current California and federal labor laws.

Last Updated: July 2026

Federal Employment Laws
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes federal standards for:

Minimum wage
Overtime pay
Child labor protections
Recordkeeping requirements

The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. California employees are generally covered by California's higher minimum wage, which takes precedence when it provides greater protection.
Non-exempt employees are generally entitled to overtime pay at one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Federal law prohibits discrimination in employment based on protected characteristics, including:

Race
Color
Religion
Sex
Pregnancy
Sexual orientation
Gender identity
National origin
Age (40 or older)
Disability
Genetic information

Employees have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Pregnant Workers Fairness
Qualified employees may request reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, provided the accommodation does not create an undue hardship for the employer.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Eligible employees working for covered employers may receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons, including:

Birth or adoption of a child
Serious health condition
Caring for a qualifying family member
Certain military-related family situations

Health insurance benefits generally continue during approved FMLA leave.

Uniformed Services Employment Rights (USERRA)
Employees serving in the United States Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve are entitled to employment protections, including:

Reemployment rights
Protection from discrimination
Protection from retaliation because of military service

Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA)
Every employee has the right to work in a safe and healthy workplace.
Employers are responsible for:

Providing a workplace free from recognized hazards
Providing required safety training
Maintaining safety records where required
Reporting serious workplace injuries as required by law

Employees may report unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation.

Employee Polygraph Protection Act
Most private employers may not require employees or applicants to take lie detector tests except in limited circumstances authorized by federal law.

California Employment Laws
California provides additional protections that often exceed federal requirements.
California Minimum Wage
Effective January 1, 2026:

Statewide minimum wage: $16.90 per hour
Some cities and counties require even higher local minimum wages.

Employers must comply with whichever wage requirement is highest.

Overtime Rules
California overtime laws generally require:

Time and one-half after 8 hours worked in a day
Time and one-half after 40 hours worked in a workweek
Double time after 12 hours in a workday
Double time after 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day worked in a workweek, when applicable

Certain employees may be exempt under California law.

Meal and Rest Breaks
Most non-exempt employees are entitled to:

Meal periods during qualifying shifts
Paid rest breaks based on hours worked

Employers may owe premium pay if required meal or rest breaks are not properly provided.

Paid Sick Leave
Eligible employees earn paid sick leave that may be used for:

Personal illness or injury
Preventive medical care
Caring for qualifying family members
Certain situations involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as provided by law

Workers' Compensation
Employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses may be entitled to benefits including:

Medical treatment
Temporary disability benefits
Permanent disability benefits
Supplemental job displacement benefits
Death benefits for eligible dependents

Workers should promptly report workplace injuries to their employer.

Wage Statements and Payday Requirements
Employees are entitled to:

Accurate itemized wage statements
Timely payment of wages
Final paychecks as required by California law
Proper documentation of hours worked and wages earned

Whistleblower Protection
California law protects employees who report:

Illegal activities
Unsafe working conditions
Fraud
Violations of state or federal law

Employers may not retaliate against employees for making protected reports.

Workplace Safety (Cal/OSHA)
California employers must:

Maintain a safe workplace
Correct known hazards
Provide required safety training
Supply appropriate protective equipment when necessary

Employees have the right to report safety concerns without retaliation.

Harassment Prevention
California law prohibits harassment based on protected characteristics.
Employers are encouraged or required, depending on circumstances, to provide harassment prevention policies and training and to investigate complaints promptly.

Equal Pay
California's Equal Pay Act prohibits wage discrimination based on sex, race, or ethnicity for substantially similar work, except where permitted by law.

Lactation Accommodation
Employers must provide eligible employees with reasonable break time and an appropriate private space for expressing breast milk, as required by California law.

Voting Leave
Employees may receive time off to vote when they do not have sufficient time outside working hours to do so, subject to applicable legal requirements.

Employer Responsibilities
Employers are generally responsible for:

Paying employees accurately and on time
Maintaining payroll records
Providing legally required workplace notices
Maintaining a safe work environment
Preventing discrimination and harassment
Complying with wage and hour laws
Following applicable leave laws
Maintaining required employment records

Employee Rights
Employees generally have the right to:

Receive lawful wages
Work in a safe environment
Report legal violations without retaliation
Be free from discrimination and harassment
Request legally protected leave when eligible
File complaints with appropriate government agencies
Receive required workplace notices

Additional Resources
Employees and employers seeking more information may consult:

U.S. Department of Labor
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)
California Civil Rights Department (CRD)
California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)

Disclaimer
This webpage is intended solely for general informational and educational purposes. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official federal or California labor law notices that employers may be required to display in the workplace. Employers are responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including posting current official labor law notices where required.

2026 California & Federal Labor Law Guide