Under California law, employers are required to provide their employees with meal and rest breaks during the workday. Specifically, employers must provide employees who work more than five hours with one meal break of at least 30 minutes. Employers must also provide employees with a second meal break of at least 30 minutes if they work more than ten hours in a day.
In addition, employers must provide employees with rest breaks of at least 10 minutes for every four hours worked or major fraction thereof. These rest breaks must be provided as close to the middle of the four-hour period as possible.
Employers must also ensure that employees are relieved of all duty during meal and rest breaks. This means that employees must be free to leave the premises and engage in their own personal activities during these breaks.
There are some potential limitations and exceptions to these requirements. For example, employees who work in certain industries, such as the motion picture industry, may be subject to different meal and rest break requirements. Also, if providing meal and rest breaks would seriously disrupt the employer's operations, an exemption may be granted by the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.
If an employer fails to provide employees with the required meal and rest breaks, they may be liable for the payment of penalties and other damages. Employees who believe that their employers have violated these requirements may pursue legal action or file a complaint with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.
Employers should make sure that they are in compliance with all California laws regarding meal and rest breaks. They should also establish written policies and procedures to ensure that employees are aware of these requirements and have the opportunity to take their required breaks.
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