If you work as a janitor in California, you have may have specific legal protections, including mandatory registration of your employer and special training requirements designed to protect you from workplace abuse.
California recognizes that janitors face unique risks in the workplace, which is why the state enacted comprehensive Property Service Workers Protection laws specifically for this industry. These protections go beyond standard employment laws and create a safety net that can help protect your rights.
Your Employer Must Be Registered to Operate Legally
Every employer who hires janitors in California must register annually with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. This isn’t just paperwork – it’s a critical protection for workers. The registration process requires employers to:
- Provide detailed information about their business operations
- Disclose any history of wage violations or unpaid taxes
- Maintain current workers’ compensation insurance
- Pay registration fees that fund enforcement activities
If your employer isn’t registered, they face fines of $100 per day, up to $10,000. Importantly for you, working for an unregistered employer may be a red flag that other labor violations are occurring.
You can check if your current or former employer is registered using the search tool provided by the Department of Industrial Relations: Available Here.
You Have the Right to Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Certain workers in the janitorial industry have the right to specialized sexual harassment and violence prevention training. This training must be:
- Provided every two years
- Conducted in-person by qualified peer trainers
- Delivered in a language you understand
- Focused on trauma-informed approaches specific to your industry
The law recognizes that many janitors work in isolated conditions where they may be vulnerable to harassment or assault. If this applies to your employer and you, your employer must pay for this training – it’s not your responsibility to cover the cost.
Wage and Hour Protections Apply to You
Janitors are also typically guaranteed the same rights as other workers. For example, if you are a janitor, you may be entitled to:
- Minimum wage rights – Currently $16.50 per hour statewide as of January 1, 2025, with potentially higher rates in certain cities and counties.
- Overtime pay – Time and a half for work over 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week
- Double time – For work over 12 hours in a day or over 8 hours on the seventh consecutive workday
- Meal and rest breaks – 30-minute meal periods and 10-minute rest breaks as required by law and be paid for each work day you are not provided with compliant breaks
Your employer must keep detailed records of your hours, wages, and working conditions. If they fail to do so, it may indicate other violations of your rights.
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
If you believe your employer has violated these protections, you may want to consider documenting the evidence you have and consulting with an employment attorney.
California’s special protections for janitors reflect the state’s recognition that these essential workers deserve dignity and fair treatment in the workplace. If you’re a janitor experiencing wage theft, harassment, or other workplace violations, powerful legal tools may be available to protect your rights.
These protections apply to certain workers in the janitorial industry. Employment law can be complex, and the specific facts of your situation matter. If you believe your rights have been violated, consider consulting with an employment attorney who can evaluate your specific circumstances and help you understand your options.