Our Blog

Read about legislation, cases, law news on how our
work is helping our clients.
CONFIDENTIAL & FREE CONSULTATION

California lawmakers decided to gradually raise the minimum wage each year for several years until it reached $15 per hour. The statewide minimum wage will increase again as we enter 2021. If you have questions or concerns about your pay, contact California minimum wage lawyers. 

In 2017, California started raising its minimum wage to eventually reach $15 per hour. While legislators wanted to guarantee workers with a living wage, they also wanted to make the increase gradually to prevent shock to employers. Each January 1st, the mandatory minimum wage for non-exempt employees has increased $1.00 from the previous year. 

There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year for companies and workers alike. With furloughs, layoffs, and other challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, many business owners and households are struggling financially. Many industry groups tried to advocate for a pause in the minimum wage increase, but the state has not given any indication it will pause it. As of now, the minimum wage is still set to increase as of January 1, 2021. 

While every employer should be ready to implement the higher minimum wage for all necessary employees, as an employee, you should be aware of what your compensation should be as we head into the new year. If you have concerns about whether you are receiving the right minimum wage in line with state law, contact California minimum wage lawyers directly. 

Minimum Wage in 2021

Currently, minimum wage in California depends on the size of your employer. As of 2021, the required minimum wage will be:

  • Employers with 25 or fewer employees = $13 per hour (up from $12 per hour)
  • Employers with more than 25 employees = $14 per hour (up from $15 per hour)

In addition, some localities have higher minimum wages set, so it is important to know if a higher amount applies to you. 

For most of California, if you work for a company with at least 26 employees, you should begin receiving $14 per hour for all the time you work. There is no grace period for employers to comply, as they have known about the increase since the initial law passed in 2016. Employers are expected to increase their compensation accordingly, starting on January 1. If a company waits to increase your minimum wage, you might be owed back pay. 

What to Do if Your Employer Does Not Comply 

If you receive minimum wage and notice that your pay was not adjusted come 2021, you should take action immediately. Always discuss the matter with a California wage attorney. The right lawyer will be able to examine your documentation and advise you whether you deserve back pay, as well as the best way to seek the payment you deserve. 

Discuss Your Options with California Minimum Wage Lawyers

As wage laws change, employees should know how their rights change, as well. Employment laws can be complex, and employers often try to avoid liability, so it is always wise to discuss the matter with a California minimum wage attorney at Mara Law Firm. Contact us online or call (619) 234-2833 to learn about your rights today.

Share here...

FREE CASE REVIEWRequest Consultation

Fill out the form 24/7 and our legal team will immediately reach out to you about your situation

  • I remember screaming at a dear friend of mine saying, “WHY WON’T THE INSURANCE COVER MY TREATMENT!” He said, “…because they know if they do it will increase your settlement.” I said, “WHAT SETTLEMENT! I JUST WANT TO GET TREATMENT! I DIDN’T ASK FOR A SETTLEMENT!” Somewhere I f...

    Mara Law Firm ClientSan Francisco

  • He represented me and many old CO-workers. They were very professional & I’d recommend them to anyone. Great Lawyers for the forgotten working man.

    ScottSan Francisco

  • I would definitely recommend David and really appreciated all the hard work he contributed. David really went the extra mile to help his customers. We were very happy and satisfied with his services. Thank you David!

    Mara Law Firm ClientSan Francisco

  • Mr. Mara was a pleasure to work with. He kept me in the loop. Can’t say enough how good it feels to have someone fighting for you, giving you a voice.

    AlbertSan Francisco

  • I was blown away by the results my case got. It far exceeded my expectations. Not only do you get someone who is a great professional; but he will fight for what you deserve. I was uncertain in the beginning; now I’m a believer. Mr. Mara is also personable. Lisa his paralegal was tremendous throughout the whole process. Sh...

    Jerome HarrisSan Francisco

  • Mr. Mara and his firm helped me file a claim for death benefits on behalf of my late husband. I was very pleased with his knowledge, research, and representation regarding my DBA claim for death benefits. I would absolutely recommend him and his associates to my friends, family, and others needing an attorney who specializes in ...

    Sally A ChandSan Francisco

  • Dave Mara did an outstanding job on my DBA case. Dave, I personally want to thank you for guiding me in the right direction and having a successful case outcome. God bless you for all the effort you put into my DBA case. Words can’t describe how thankful I am. Thank you for helping injured overseas contractors.

    Jim Joned San Francisco

  • Mr. Mara and his staff were very professional and I would highly recommend Mr. Mara. Mr. Mara had my best interests in settling my case and I am very appreciative of all he and his staff did for me. If I ever needed help or had simple questions, Mr. Mara and his staff were always available to take my calls and help me. Highly re...

    DebSan Francisco

  • Dave Mara comes with a very high recommendation. He took a workmans compensation case for me and really handled it well. It was an unclear case and a new issue that the WC most likely had never seen. He kept me up to date with the long confusing process and was very understanding and sympathetic to my plight (I was the victim of...

    Linda DSan Francisco

View All Testimonials

Request your confidential & free case consultation

If you are in need of employment litigation attorney in California or have been injured overseas while under a military contract and are in need of a defense base act attorney. Please fill out the form below and contact us immediately for a FREE consultation.

all fields are required*