What Employers Need to Know About California Meal and Rest Period Laws

Brett Sutton and Jared Hague talk about the latest update to California meal and rest period employment laws and what California employers need to know about this recent change. There are little nuances to this law that you need to be aware of and in this episode, Brett and Jared help make suggestions (not legal advice) on how to best navigate this within your company. 

 

Highlights:

• A bit of background around meal and rest period laws. 
• There are significant financial consequences if you don’t properly provide meal and rest time to your California employees. 
• Meal periods are unpaid and rest periods are paid.
• What penalties should the employer be aware of if they do not accurately do this? 
• Brett reminds employees what their pay stub needs to say. 
• Your employees might be taking all the necessary rest breaks, but if you are unable to prove this, you’re on the hook. 
• Jared brings up the recent case that got brought up in regards to accurate meal and rest period times.
• With the recent decision, the stakes have increased dramatically. 
• You really have to revisit what you’re doing and make sure your company is fully compliant. The first starting point is your policy. 
• Jared recommends doing a quarterly spot check within your company. 
• Supervisors need employee training to help them understand employment laws and to keep track of meal and rest period breaks. 
• It is part of a manager’s job to make sure the company complies with meal and rest periods. 
• It’s hard enough to be in business. Don’t make it harder for yourself. 

 

Resources:

Suttonhague.com

Calnevalaw.com