California Labor Law Regarding Meal and Rest Breaks

Here is a quick clarification of current California Meal and Rest Breaks:

According to the California Wage Orders and the Fair Labor Standards Act, employees who are classified as Nonexempt from overtime, meal and rest break requirements must be offered 10-minute paid rest breaks for every four hours they work. California labor law also says that if their shift lasts longer than 6 hours, they must also have the opportunity to take a 30-minute unpaid meal break. Under California labor law, the employer owes the employee one hour of pay if any of these breaks are not taken or the employee is unable to take a meal break. This hour of pay must be included in the following pay check.

When the employer does not comply with California labor law by restricting the opportunity for proper meal- and rest-periods, violations are calculated at one hour of additional straight time pay for each employee for each work day. California employers risk facing heavy penalties for violating California labor laws regarding meal- and rest-periods. Due to recent court decisions, the potential for large monetary fines has increased. If your employer