Rest and Meal Breaks

The Industrial Welfare Commission (“IWC”) of the State of California has issued various orders regulating the wages, hours, and working conditions for employees in all types of industries.

According to the IWC orders, employers are required to provide their employees with a 30 minute unpaid meal period for every fifth hour of work. Therefore, an employee who works 10 hours in one day is entitled to take two 30-minutes meal breaks.

Employers are also required to provide their employees with a paid 10 minute rest period for every four hours of work. Therefore, employees are entitled to take two 10 minute rest breaks in a typical 8 hour shift.

These general rules are subject to some exceptions depending on the industry you work in. If you are not being provided with adequate rest and meal breaks during your shifts, you may have a claim for compensation against your employer. You are welcome to contact Mostafavi Law Group today for a free and confidential legal consultation.

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