<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jolynn:
Can an employer refuse to allow thier employees to eat or drink except of breaks?
I work a straight 8 hr shift, with a working lunch and an a.m and p.m. 15 minute break. Usually 10 minutes to eat and prepare your lunch is possible during the on-duty lunch period for employees.
Am I unusual, I need to have a beverage at least once an hour. Personally, I think that all hard workers need to quench thier thirst.
Does anybody know any California guidelines for eating and drinking in the workplace?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
My response:
Yes, employers can regulate where, and when, on the job you can eat and drink. In California, generally, employers must grant rest periods at the rate of 10 minutes of rest time for every four hours or major fraction thereof worked. However, no rest period is necessary if total daily work time is less than three and one-half hours. No deduction from wages may be made for authorized rest time. Insofar as practicable, a rest period must be in the middle of each work period.
In all but the broadcasting and motion picture industries, the rule for meal periods is that no person may be employed for a work period of more than five hours without a meal period of not less than 30 minutes. However, the meal period may be waived by mutual consent if a work period of not more than six hours will complete the day's work. Unless the employee is completely relieved of duty, the meal period must be considered time worked. Also, if employees must eat on the premises, a suitable place for that purpose must be designated.
IAAL
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