Yes. Your employment can require that you remain on the job premises during your meal period. This is true even if you are relieved of all work duties. However, if this does occur, you are under the employer’s control and you are denied your own time and thus you are entitled to pay during your meal period.
There are exceptions to this rule as it relates to healthcare workers. Healthcare workers may be required to remain on the job without getting paid for that meal period. Healthcare workers are employees in the healthcare industry providing patient care or working in a clinical department, including pharmacists, or member of a patient care delivery team, or licensed veterinarians.
Also, if you are required to eat at the premises, a suitable place for eating must be designated. “Suitable” means a designated place with facilities for consuming food and drinks.
The Law Offices of Payab & Associates is a Los Angeles based law firm with more than 17 years of experience in employment cases. Our office has successfully litigated many complex disputes including wrongful termination, sexual harassment, racial discrimination, wage and labor disputes, and retaliation cases.
Are you or anyone you know been deprived or your lunch period? Contact the Law Offices of Payab & Associates @ (818) 918-5522 or visit http://payablaw.com/ if you have any questions regarding your rights at the workplace.
