Wage & HourMeal Breaks

Are meal breaks required in California?

Answer

Yes. Employees who work more than 5 hours in a day are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid, uninterrupted meal break. A second 30-minute meal break is required if the shift exceeds 10 hours. If your employer denies or interrupts a meal break, you are owed one additional hour of pay (premium pay) for each violation.

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Wage & HourMeal Breaks

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