Are you working in California, or do you want to do work here? And are you worried about working hours for a full-time or part-time job? Moreover, if you are looking for flexible job hours as part-time, keep reading. This blog will guide you properly regarding part-time working hours, wages, and the rights of part-time workers. However, let’s talk about workers in California. We are pleased that the state has specific rules for working labor, protects their rights, and provides a friendly and cooperative environment to boost their energy level and work capacity.
Part-time vs full-time job hours
Before delving into the details of part-time working hours and worker rights, let’s explore a little about full-time and part-time working hours. A full-time job means a proper working day at your office or company where you work almost 40+ hours per week. Furthermore, you have commitments with your employer regarding the job and salary package.
A defined work with a specific salary awaits you in a full-time job. Moreover, you have no flexibility in hours in a full-time job offer. A part-time job offers flexible working hours and a high salary. You must work less than 40 hours per week in a part-time job. People work part-time jobs to meet their financial needs. Some do part-time work to pay their university fees or urgent household needs.
How many hours are considered part-time in California?
Let’s learn “How many hours are considered part-time in California?”. In California, less than 40 hours per week are considered part-time. In the California Labour Market, less than 35 hours are counted as part-time. However, there are no set rules for working hours, such as full-time or part-time. However, there is only a guideline for employers to set the workers’ job hours. Moreover, some employers honestly specify working hours and salaries for part-time workers. Some try to discriminate.
According to the latest guidelines, while less than 40 hours per week is considered part-time in California, it’s important to note that over 35 hours per week may still be classified as part-time depending on the company’s policies and needs.
Rights of part-time employees
You are misguided if you think that labor rights only apply to full-time workers and that part-time workers have no rights. Part-time workers have the same rights as full-time workers. Moreover, the salary packages for part-time are also considerable. California has amended specific rules and regulations to protect its workers, considering their labor the backbone of the state’s economy. Moreover, they protect workers from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Here are some specified rules for part-time workers.
Minimum wages
In California, minimum wages are the same as full-time jobs. California’s minimum wage is $15.50 per hour as of 2024, or $16.00 per hour for businesses with more than 26 employees. The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour.
Despite what you may have been told, you cannot neglect your right to the minimum salary, even if you are working part-time.
The California minimum wage increased to $15.50 per hour in January 2024. Businesses with more than 26 employees must pay $16.00 per hour.
Rest Breaks
You have the right to take some rest breaks during your work. Some part-time employees are informed that they are not allowed to take breaks. Even if you work part-time, you can take breaks for meals and rest. Typically, you can take a ten-minute break for every four hours worked. If you work more than five hours, you can take a 30-minute meal break; if you work more than 10 hours, you can take two meal breaks.
Overtime payment
Whether you work full-time or part-time, you are entitled to overtime payments. You can get a half or double of your full-time salary, no issues, if you work part-time. Furthermore, you can benefit from the state’s laws, which protect you from discrimination and harassment.
Advantages of part-time job for employees
You can get many benefits from a part-time job. You can avail of these primary advantages.
- You can work in any office or company for flexible hours as a part-time worker.
- You can avail of all the rights established for labor in California.
- You can balance your life and work with a part-time job.
- Furthermore, you can get multiple job options through part-time work.
Disadvantages of part-time job for employees
Besides many benefits, you can face some disadvantages from a part-time job, such as
- Minimum salary packages
- Limited benefits as compared to a full-time job
Advantages of a part-time job for employers
If you are an employer and want to hire some workers part-time, you can avail of these benefits as an employer.
- Sometimes, employers hire part-time laborers to save costs because they work fewer hours than full-time.
- Moreover, employers do not offer the same benefits to part-time workers as full-time workers.
- Employers can get benefits from the part-time worker to lower their seasonal work burdens.
Disadvantages of a part-time job for employers
You can face these disadvantages when hiring part-time staff.
- You may waste time training your part-time workers
- You can waste your money and potential if part-time workers get another full-time job offer.
Differences between part-time and overtime
Let’s discuss some detailed differences between part-time and overtime. A part-time job is less than 40 hours per week of work. You can acquire all the benefits according to the state’s labor laws. Furthermore, you get paid according to your job hours.
On the other hand, overtime is defined as additional working hours along with your full-time or part-time job. Additionally, you are paid a half or double for your overtime as per your regular salaries. Moreover, any worker can work overtime on a full-time or a part-time job.
Do employers discriminate against part-time workers?
It is a very controversial question to discuss. It is true that some employers try to discriminate against part-time workers. They do not allow all the benefits and advantages of a full-time. Furthermore, they do not allow insurance for part-time workers. Sometimes, employers don’t give part-time workers any paid leave for sickness or other reasons.
But it is the one side of the picture. Some employers are so honest that they allow all the benefits and rights to the part-time and full-time workers. Moreover, they allow medical and other insurance to the workers working in their offices. Additionally, they permit their workers to take paid sick leave and do other urgent work. Generally, these are the guidelines for employers to protect all their labor, which are not specified in laws.
What steps can you take if you face part-time job discrimination?
If you face some discrimination in a part-time job regarding your salary or working hours, you take these steps to protect your rights.
- Have a deep knowledge of rights for a part-time job
- Document the violations
- Communicate with your employer
- Seek legal advice
- File a complaint if needed
Remember that seeking legal counsel and taking action may have different methods and criteria depending on where you live, so you should ask a professional to advise you based on the unique laws and regulations that apply to your situation.
Need of an attorney for part-time job issues
Many employees think they are not entitled to the same perks and privileges as their full-time colleagues, but this is incorrect.
Working part-time in California gives you almost all the same benefits as regular employees. If your employer takes advantage of your part-time status to deprive you of wages and benefits, you can seek legal counsel. A professional lawyer can handle all the issues and hurdles you face in your part-time job. A qualified legal advisor can also advise you to get all your rights according to the state’s law.
Conclusion
Summarizing the above, a part-time worker is entitled to all the rights and benefits a full-time worker has. In California, part-time job hours are less than 40 hours per week; however, some employers consider it less than 35 hours per week. A part-time worker can handle seasonal work at any firm with split hours. Students and many workers work part-time to fulfill their financial needs. Although part-time workers are offered lower salaries than full-time workers, they are entitled to all their rights, including discrimination and harassment at the workplace. Moreover, they can work overtime with payments. Additionally, part-time work suits employees who want flexible and split hours.
FAQs
How many hours is part-time in California per day?
In California, no minimum number of hours is required for an employee to be classified as part-time. While 35 hours per week is sometimes used as a guideline for part-time work, there is no legal requirement that an employee work less than 35 hours per week to be defined as part-time.
Which benefits are available for part-time employees in California?
Part-time employees are entitled to the same legal allowances as full-time employees, except healthcare coverage. Part-time employees who work more than 40 hours per week are eligible for overtime pay (time and a half) and paid sick leave.
What will be California’s minimum wage in 2024?
As per revised legislation, the minimum salary in California will be $16 per hour in 2024. However, this increment varies from city to city.
Do part-time employees get breaks in California?
Yes, part-time employees get breaks during work. They can reach 30 30-minute breaks for a meal and a ten-minute break for rest. If the part-time shift is about ten consecutive hours, the workers can get two meal breaks after every five working hours.