New California Court of Appeal Opinion Provides Guidance on Rest Breaks

Executive Summary: On January 29, 2015, a California appeals court published a modified version of an opinion examining, in part, an employer’s obligation under the state’s rest break requirements. Critically, the opinion concludes that the rest break requirement only prescribes that an employee not be required to work on a rest break, not that he or she be relieved of all duties. The opinion provides much needed guidance to employers in understanding the distinction between California’s meal and rest break requirements.