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The Global Insight

How many hours straight can you legally work in California?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on March 20, 2026

Under California labor laws, non-exempt employees shall not work more than eight (8) hours in any workday or more than 40 hours in any workweek unless they are compensated with overtime pay.

Can an employee work 7 days straight in California?

California law provides that employees are entitled to one day’s rest in seven and that no employer shall “cause” an employee to work more than six days in seven. One employee had worked seven consecutive days three times during his employment; the other employee had once worked seven consecutive days.

How do I file a complaint against my employer in California?

If you wish to report a widespread violation of labor law by your employer or a violation affecting multiple employees, please contact LETF via phone, online lead referral form or email: Call the LETF Public hotline anytime: 855 297 5322. Complete the Online Form / Spanish Form. Email us at [email protected]

How many consecutive days can you work without a day off in California?

12 days
You can work up to 12 days in a row in California without a day off.

Can an employer make you work 16 hours a day?

§ 201 and following), the federal overtime law. The FLSA sets no limits on how many hours a day or week your employer can require you to work. It requires only that employers pay employees overtime (time and a half the worker’s regular rate of pay) for any hours over 40 that the employee works in a week.

Can an employer make you work 10 days straight?

In most employment situations, there is nothing unlawful about the employer working you ten days in a row as you have described. Furthermore, as long as you do not work more than 8 hours in a workday or 40 hours in a designated workweek…

What is the labor law for lunch breaks in California?

Meal Break Obligations In California. You cannot employ someone for a work period of more than five hours without providing an unpaid, off-duty meal period of at least 30 minutes. The first meal period must be provided no later than the end of the employee’s fifth hour of work.

What are the labor laws in the state of California?

California has arguably the most pro-worker employment laws in the country. Workers are entitled to numerous rights and protections under California labor law, and can recover large penalties if employers violate those rights. Employers also cannot force you to waive your right to the protections of California labor law.

What are the rights of workers in California?

Workers are entitled to numerous rights and protections under California labor law, and can recover large penalties if employers violate those rights. Employers also cannot force you to waive your right to the protections of California labor law.

Can a employer force you to sign a California labor contract?

Employers also cannot force you to waive your right to the protections of California labor law. A recent amendment to the California labor code says that an employment agreement cannot force a California worker to accept the labor laws of a different state.

Is there a labor law helpline in California?

CalChamber Preferred and Executive members also get unlimited access to our Labor Law Helpline. HRCalifornia provides access to California employment law resources to help you provide the appropriate advice to your California employees and to help you and your human resources team develop and implement appropriate workplace policies.