An employee is entitled to a 30 minute meal period whenever he or she works a shift of more than five hours. Employers must provide all employees a 10-minute rest break after the employee has worked at least 4 hours.Under California law, non-exempt employees are entitled to one unpaid 30-minute meal break, and two paid 10-minute rest breaks, during a typical 8-hour shift. You cannot employ someone for a work period of more than five hours without providing an unpaid, off-duty meal period of at least 30 minutes. Rest breaks — California employees who work 3.5 hours or more in a day are owed at least one paid, 10-minute rest break. Your employer has a duty to authorize and permit you to take timely 10 minute offduty rest breaks. According to California law, employers may not require an employee to work or to be on call during a meal or rest break. Labor Commissioner's Office, Wages, breaks, retaliation and labor laws, 833-526-4636. The California Labor Code provides that employees who work more than five (5) hours in a day are entitled to a thirty (30) minute meal break. Oakland law protects an employee's right to take uninterrupted meal and rest breaks.