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California labor laws protect non-exempt employees’ rights to meal and rest periods. When employers fail to provide these legally required breaks, workers suffer. Mercer Legal Group represents employees throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas who have been denied their lawful meal and rest periods.
Under California labor laws, employers must provide a 30-minute unpaid meal break when an employee works more than five hours. If the workday exceeds 10 hours, a second meal break is required. Non-exempt workers are also entitled to a paid rest break of 10 minutes for every four hours worked, or major fraction thereof.
A meal and rest break violation occurs when an employer fails to provide these breaks, interrupts them, or pressures employees to skip or shorten them. If your employer denies breaks, makes you work through lunch, or keeps you on call during rest periods, you may have a valid legal claim.
California employers must comply with Labor Code sections governing meal periods and rest breaks. The California Labor Commissioner enforces these requirements and can impose penalties on non-compliant employers. Violations may result in back pay, premium wages, and additional damages.
The value of a meal and rest break claim depends on the total hours worked, number of violations, and duration of the employment relationship. Employees may recover one hour of pay at their regular rate for each day a meal or rest break was denied. Legal costs and potential settlement amounts vary based on case specifics.
Failure to Provide Meal Breaks: Employers who do not allow a 30-minute meal period before the fifth hour of work violate California law.
Denied Rest Breaks: Workers must receive a paid rest break for every four hours on the job. Denying or shortening these rest periods is illegal.
Interrupted Meal Breaks: If you cannot leave your work duties or must remain available during your meal period, your employer has violated break laws.
On-Call During Breaks: Requiring employees to stay on call or respond to work matters during rest and meal breaks undermines rest break rights.
Inadequate Break Timing: Breaks must occur at reasonable times during the work period—not at the start or end of shifts.
Failure to Pay Premium Wages: When proper breaks are not provided, California law requires employers to pay one hour of premium pay at the employee’s regular rate for each missed break.
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Meal and rest break violations cases require detailed evidence: time records, schedules, witness statements, and documentation of company policies. Employers often dispute claims or minimize hours worked. An experienced employment attorney can help you build a strong case, ensure proper calculation of lost wages and premium pay, and avoid missing critical deadlines.
Mercer Legal Group focuses on employment law matters affecting workers in Los Angeles, San Diego, and throughout California. Our attorneys handle rest break cases, meal break violation claims, and wage disputes for non-exempt employees across multiple industries.
We investigate each case thoroughly—reviewing time records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting industry experts when necessary. Our goal is to recover lost wages, premium pay, and additional compensation California law allows. When employers refuse fair settlements, we take legal action.
Our attorneys guide clients through the legal process from initial evaluation to resolution. We handle claims involving denied meal breaks, missed rest periods, unpaid wages, and retaliation for reporting violations. For cases affecting multiple employees, we also evaluate potential class action lawsuits.
Every case receives individual attention. We explain California rest break laws, assess the strength of your claim, and outline realistic outcomes. Whether your employer fails to provide proper breaks for long shifts or penalizes workers who speak up, we work to hold them accountable.
Step 1: Call (818) 351-2137 to discuss your situation with a meal break violations attorney.
Step 2: Gather pay stubs, time records, and schedules related to your breaks.
Step 3: Our attorneys evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Step 4: We pursue compensation through negotiation or litigation.
Contact Mercer Legal Group today to speak with an employment lawyer who can evaluate your claim. Call (818) 351-2137 to schedule a case review.
