Los Angeles · Representing California employees

Meal & Rest Break Violations

California law provides important break protections for many nonexempt employees. We help workers pursue claims for missed, interrupted, shortened, or unpaid meal and rest breaks.

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Understanding the issue

Meal periods and rest breaks have different rules. For covered nonexempt employees, meal periods generally must be duty-free, while required rest breaks are paid. Shift length, industry rules, and permitted exceptions affect the analysis.

The question is not only whether a break appears on a timecard. Describe whether work interrupted it, whether staffing allowed it, and whether a supervisor required you to remain available.

What we review

Shift start and end times and when breaks occurred
Interruptions, coverage problems, or automatic deductions
Break policies, waivers, and any premium payments

What to prepare

Timecards and schedules
Messages about break coverage or working through meals
Pay statements and signed break-related forms

Frequently asked questions

My timecard shows a meal break I worked through. What should I prepare?

Identify example dates, the work performed, and who assigned it. Bring the corresponding timecard and pay statement if available.

Are meal periods and rest breaks interchangeable?

No. They are separate protections. Explain both types of breaks during the consultation.

Consultation and timing

Filing deadlines depend on the claim and procedure. Tell us about an approaching deadline, agency notice, or signature request when contacting us. Requesting a consultation does not extend a deadline or establish an attorney-client relationship.

This page provides general information, not advice for a specific case or a guarantee of an outcome.

Official resources

Related practice areas

Wage & Hour Claims →Retaliation →

Tell us what happened.

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