The Department enforces the Council's policies that stimulate the fair and equitable involvement of Oakland Businesses, Workers, and Residents. A wage claim starts the process to collect on those unpaid wages or benefits.We deliver labor agreements, employee benefits, and more for all City of Oakland jobs. Our department reflects the diversity and strength of our city. For help fighting an employee's claims of wage and hour violations, reach out to the experienced employment attorneys at Bay Oak Law. If you employ people in California, you need to know which employee benefits are required. Get an overview of the HR laws that are unique to California. California follows a state minimum wage law. California is one of the most workerfriendly states in the US, with broader protections around discrimination, wages, and more. Under California law, employees are to be paid one and a half times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over eight in a day and 40 in a workweek.