Q.Can my employer require me to work through lunch?

A.California Labor Code Section 512 requires all California employers to force their employees who work more than 5 hours in a day to take a 30-minute meal period during which the employee is relieved of all duties. The employee can only waive the meal period if the employee's works no more than 6 hours. In very limited circumstances an employer is allowed to provide a paid "on duty" lunch break. To provide a paid "on duty lunch break, the employer must: (1) prove that the nature of the work prevents the employee from being relieved of all duties (e.g. the employee is the only worker in a kiosk or the only security guard on site); and (2) have the employee sign an agreement consenting to an "on duty" paid meal period and advising the employee that she or he may, in writing, revoke the agreement at any time.

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