California Court Holds that Prospectively Signed Meal Period Waivers are Enforceable: 4 Steps You Can Take to Maximize Your Defenses
The California Court of Appeal just handed employers a wage and hour win by ruling that meal period waivers prospectively signed by non-exempt employees are enforceable if certain criteria are met. The April 21 decision in Bradsbery v. Vicar Operating, Inc. provides employers with a solid game plan to approach meal period waivers at their workplaces . Below is a quick review of the case and four steps you should consider to take advantage of this positive decision and get the most out of your meal period waivers. How We Got Here and Why It Matters In Bradsbery v. Vicar Operating , two former employees – La Kimba Bradsbery and Cheri Brakensiek – who worked for a network of veterinary hospitals, Vicar Operating, Inc., alleged Vicar violated California wage and hour law. They launched a class action lawsuit against their former employer arguing that the company improperly handled their meal periods. They alleged Vicar r equired them and others to work five-to-six-h...