State Versus Federal Law: Which Prevails?

As a California employer, you are subject to labor laws and regulations from the state and federal governments and from other jurisdictions such as cities and counties that legislate on employment matters.

When these laws conflict, often there is no easy answer to the question of which law prevails. In general, you must follow the law most restrictive to the employer and most generous to the employee. This website includes both federal and state law, and examples of which rule you must follow in a given instance.

Local ordinances may also apply. Several cities and counties in California have their own