California high court to rule on lunch breaks

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — In a case that could affect thousands of California employers and millions of workers, the state Supreme Court will decide whether managers must order workers to take rest and meal breaks at regular intervals throughout the workday.

The question is whether California labor law requires an employer to simply “provide” meal and rest breaks to employees, or whether it must also “ensure” those breaks are taken at certain times during shifts. The court’s decision could also greatly reduce the numerous class action lawsuits surrounding the issue, which cost companies embroiled in the cases millions of dollars in legal costs.