From my understanding, in California, anythign over 8 hours per shift will be considered OT until you hit the 12 hour mark, at which point the time will be considered double time. My question is, how does it work for companies that run 24/7 operations (whether its a hospital or someone out in the technology industry)? From my understanding, there are a lot of places that do four 10 hour work weeks. Does this mean they are ALL paying their hourly employees 8 hours of OT EVERY week? For some reason that doesn't sound right to me. Does anyone know how this works in California?

Companies can implement an alternative work week that allows for 10 hour days (12 hour days in the health care industry as well). The employees affected must vote to do so.

Companies can implement an alternative work week that allows for 10 hour days (12 hour days in the health care industry as well). The employees affected must vote to do so.

So, is this more of a "majority wins" type of vote? Once this is agreed upon, everyone within that functional group would work their 10 hour shifts with no accumulated OT until the 11th hour hits?

Yes, that is right.

Very good info!! Thank you!!

I have been looking for this info on the www.dfeh.ca.gov page and cant seem to find it anywhere. Can anyone help with this? Thanks in advance!!

DFEH is the anti-discrimination agency. You want the Industrial Welfare Commission
http://www.dir.ca.gov/IWC/iwc.html

Aaahhh got it!! I will look there. Thanks for the quick response!!