Paid Leave Preemption: Castro Valley vs Oakland
How do paid leave preemption rules compare between Castro Valley, CA and Oakland, CA?
Castro Valley and Oakland have similar restriction levels.
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
California's Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act under Labor Code 245-249 mandates paid sick leave for nearly all employees statewide. SB 616 (2023) raised the minimum to 40 hours or five days annually effective January 2024, applying universally.
View full Castro Valley rules →Oakland, CA
Alameda County
Measure FF also created Oakland Earned Sick Leave under OMC 5.92, requiring all employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave per 30 hours worked, capped at 40 or 72 hours depending on employer size, available for employee or family illness.
View full Oakland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castro Valley | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | Labor Code 245-249 | - |
| Minimum Annual Leave | 40 hours/5 days | - |
| Effective Date | January 2024 | - |
| Local Stricter Allowed | Yes | - |
| Accrual | - | 1 hour per 30 worked |
| Small employer cap | - | 40 hours |
| Larger employer cap | - | 72 hours |
| Code | - | OMC Chapter 5.92 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castro Valley FAQ
How much paid sick leave do California workers receive?
At least 40 hours or five days annually under Labor Code 245-249, as expanded by SB 616 in 2024. Employees of larger cities may receive more under local ordinances.
Are California cities preempted from passing paid leave laws?
No. State law sets a minimum standard. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Oakland have higher local paid sick leave requirements that remain valid.
Oakland FAQ
Can leave be used for family?
Yes. Leave covers care for the worker, family members, and a designated person, plus domestic violence or sexual assault recovery.
Does leave carry over?
Yes. Unused hours carry over each year, though employers may cap total use at 40 or 72 hours depending on employer size.
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