California's labor laws protect all workers, regardless of immigration status. For more information on California minimum wage.The new Minimum Wage Rate - effective July 1st of each year - is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) The MWO applies to Employees; however, merely labeling someone as an "independent contractor" does not make it so. California (CA) law will still be applied. Q: Do California wage and hour laws apply to out-of-state employees? This post is your roadmap through California's complex wage laws landscape. Legal news and tips for employees, including meal breaks, rest breaks, overtime and unpaid wages. Living Wage Ordinance (LWO). Pursuant to Los Angeles Administrative Code, Division 10, Chapter 1, Article 11, Section 10.37 et seq.