No, working through your meal period does not entitle you to leave work early prior to your scheduled quitting time. In order for an “on duty” meal period to be permitted under the Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Orders, the nature of the work must actually prevent the employee from being relieved of all duty, and there must be a written agreement that an on-the-job paid meal period is agreed to. Additionally, the written agreement must also state that the employee may, in writing, revoke the agreement at any time.
October 2018
Tags: California, Meal Period