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California Court Upholds Meal Break Waivers, Enacts New Labor Laws

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

The California Court of Appeal ruled that five- to six-hour shift meal period waivers are valid, enabling bypass of meal breaks with employee consent.
Assembly Bill 692 prohibits repayment terms in employment contracts after January 1, 2026, with exceptions for certain programs.
The Workplace Know Your Rights Act requires employers to inform employees of their rights on hire and annually.
CalWARN expansions and pay equity law amendments are also enacted.

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Story summary

The California Court of Appeal ruled that five- to six-hour shift meal period waivers are valid, enabling bypass of meal breaks with employee consent.
Assembly Bill 692 prohibits repayment terms in employment contracts after January 1, 2026, with exceptions for certain programs.
The Workplace Know Your Rights Act requires employers to inform employees of their rights on hire and annually.
CalWARN expansions and pay equity law amendments are also enacted.