Question about California labor code - my wife's department at work is not allowed to take lunch (employment, compensation)

[Snort]

I don't believe it was ever clearly established what kind of pizza was served at lunch. This is an important point that shouldn't be casually dismissed or overlooked. Now, if it was a quality pizza from an independent pizzeria, that's one thing. If it was something like Papa John's, well then, that's quite another matter, in which case, all management should be strung up by their balls (whether they have them or not) and you should SUE, SUE, SUE!
Nobody should ever be forced to eat krap pizza........ever!

[needa916]

Sorry, I should clarify - she tells me this has happened before, and they are planning another lunch/meeting tomorrow - so, this is a regular occurrence and reason to get concerned. She is an hourly employee. She was told 10 minutes before the meeting that she will be required to log out for lunch as she normally would, but attend a meeting instead of going to lunch.

I am sorry but I don't agree with employers breaking the law. I don't think we should be "thankful we have a job and free food" if there is a law being broken.

Anyway, thanks for the replies. I got some good information. If this continues after tomorrow, I will certainly take action.

I think they should allow everyone equal time to eat something when working an 8 hour shift. I am quite certain I am going to get laid off in my company this September, but I am not going to let my employer take advantage of me in any way.

Thank you.

[CrownVic95]

Originally Posted by needa916

but I am not going to let my employer take advantage of me in any way.

Good for you and best of luck to you. Reps to you for having the mindset and the courage to stand up to employer abuse.

Our quality of life is on a steep downward slope in this country and, incredibly, most people still don't get that their apathy is not only part of the problem....it IS the problem. This kind of crap (and much worse) happens because most people let it happen. Thanks for not running with the herd.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by CrownVic95

Good for you and best of luck to you. Reps to you for having the mindset and the courage to stand up to employer abuse.

Our quality of life is on a steep downward slope in this country and, incredibly, most people still don't get that their apathy is not only part of the problem....it IS the problem. This kind of crap (and much worse) happens because most people let it happen. Thanks for not running with the herd.

and what do you think he should do about this? He is already concerned about his job.

Don't get me wrong, I too, think, after hearing his story, unless there is more to it and my guess there is, he has every right to be upset. I am sure the other employees at his wife's place of business are as upset. As a group they should file a grevience. No company should take advantage of their employees this way. As an individual she would probably cause more trouble if she took action. Of course we need to stand up for ourselves, people need jobs as well.

I can't imagine why there would be a need for 2 meetings about benefits, but what do I know? I only have had several decades in the working world. I did actually leave a job over a similar situation about 9 years ago, but I was planning on re-locating anyway. I just quit about a month sooner than planned. We were over worked, not given time for lunch and told we could not eat at our desks. This was a small company. When I asked how we were supposed to get lunch I was told we could eat in the kitchen area and should be able to eat in about 10 minutes. That afternoon, I respectfully gave my notice to take affect 2 weeks later. If I had needed the job I would probably just put up with the crap.

By the way I totally disagree with you on our quality of life. Tell me what country you would rather live in?

Nita

[CrownVic95]

Originally Posted by nmnita

and what do you think he should do about this? He is already concerned about his job.

Don't get me wrong, I too, think, after hearing his story, unless there is more to it and my guess there is, he has every right to be upset. I am sure the other employees at his wife's place of business are as upset. As a group they should file a grevience. No company should take advantage of their employees this way. As an individual she would probably cause more trouble if she took action. Of course we need to stand up for ourselves, people need jobs as well.

I can't imagine why there would be a need for 2 meetings about benefits, but what do I know? I only have had several decades in the working world. I did actually leave a job over a similar situation about 9 years ago, but I was planning on re-locating anyway. I just quit about a month sooner than planned. We were over worked, not given time for lunch and told we could not eat at our desks. This was a small company. When I asked how we were supposed to get lunch I was told we could eat in the kitchen area and should be able to eat in about 10 minutes. That afternoon, I respectfully gave my notice to take affect 2 weeks later. If I had needed the job I would probably just put up with the crap.

By the way I totally disagree with you on our quality of life. Tell me what country you would rather live in?

Nita

I didn't say there was any other country I'd rather live in. But I am appalled at what has happened to this one. Just because there are lots worse places in the world doesn't mean anyone should be pleased or content with what is going on. Good for you if your life is where and what you want it to be. Millions of others on holding on for dear life with no hope of returning to the relative security and comfort we once had.

I'm not surprised that you disagree with me because I disagree with you on most topics. Let's agree to disagree and leave it there.

[ehcsrop]

Originally Posted by Snort

I don't believe it was ever clearly established what kind of pizza was served at lunch. This is an important point that shouldn't be casually dismissed or overlooked. Now, if it was a quality pizza from an independent pizzeria, that's one thing. If it was something like Papa John's, well then, that's quite another matter, in which case, all management should be strung up by their balls (whether they have them or not) and you should SUE, SUE, SUE!
Nobody should ever be forced to eat krap pizza........ever!

Hoot! I was thinking that yesterday. I'm a vegetarian and when folks order pizza for a group, they often get a couple of varieties, but none w/o meat.

So, it could be a double whammy, cold and have to pick off ingredients you don't like.

[Bluesmama]

Are their lunch hours paid for by the employer? I'd be highly surprised if it is; however, that may explain the control. And if that's the case then those meetings should be "brown-baggers". They should be brown-baggers if they're NOT paid for! Catered, even better. Point is, they should be allowed to eat during their LUNCH hour.

I agree with the posters, something just doesn't sound right here, and I'd be pissed, too, if I was her. There's a definite lack of respect for her job.

[Snort]

She is given full permission to "go postal" if she was served Papa John's. Any judge or jury would acquit.

[Latchkey Kid]

Originally Posted by Charles

How did people eat lunch and work a 9-5 job?

Back when the term came into popular use, they probably took a 30 minute lunch. But it was also the norm for office workers to also work on Saturdays, though it may have been a half day.

[Huckleberry3911948]

its a violation but considering the american hatred of unions, that info does not do you much good without real backing.