What are the requirements for meal and rest periods?

In California, all employers are required to provide specific meal and rest periods for their employees. Meal periods are required for all employees who work more than five hours per day. Meal periods must be provided no later than the end of the fifth hour of work and must last for a minimum of 30 minutes. Employees must be completely relieved of all work duties during a meal period unless they agree to work voluntarily. Rest periods are also required for employees who are working a shift of more than three and a half hours. Employers must give employees ten minute rest breaks for every four hours worked. Breaks must begin no later than the end of the third and a half hours of work, and employees must be completely relieved of all work duties during this time. Employers must also pay their employees for meal and rest periods, unless the employee is in an "on-call" status, is relieved of all duties, and is free to use the time for their own purposes. This applies to all employees regardless of their job classification or whether they are hourly or salaried employees. Failure to comply with the meal and rest period requirements in California can result in significant penalties for employers, including the payment of back wages and civil penalties. It is important for employers to understand and follow these requirements to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their employees.

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What are the requirements for meal and rest periods?

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