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California Employment Law Glossary

Rest Break Violations
Wage & Hour

 

Definition


 

California employees are entitled to a paid 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked. Employers who skip or shorten these breaks owe one additional hour of pay per missed break - completely separate from any meal break penalties. Rest break violations are among the most frequently litigated wage claims in California.


Frequently Asked Questions

You're entitled to a paid 10-minute rest break for approximately every four hours you work. These breaks are separate from your meal break and must be counted as time worked.

No. Rest breaks and meal breaks serve different legal purposes and generally cannot be combined or skipped in exchange for leaving early. Doing so can trigger separate premium pay for each missed break.

Think this applies to you?

Rest break violations are more common - and more costly for employers - than most workers know. Find out what you may be owed with a free case review.
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Related

Practice Area

Meal & Rest Breaks

See Also

Wage Theft  ·  Unpaid Wages  ·  Overtime Violations

This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.