California Supreme Court to hear time and attendance lawsuit

The California Supreme Court is set to rule on a class action time and attendance lawsuit involving employees' meal and break allowances, the Mercury News reports.

The suit was brought against Brinker International, which operates Chili's and Maggiano's Little Italy restaurants. Five lead plaintiffs including Santana Alvarado, who worked at a Concord Chili's for more than eight years, allege they had trouble getting their bosses to give them meal breaks and were forced to eat in a store room.

The plaintiffs claim this violated California labor laws. The Supreme Court must consider whether employers only have to provide the opportunity for breaks or ensure workers actually take them.

"The reality is, if meal periods are optional, very few workers are going to get them," said Kim Kralowec, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, as quoted by the news source.

Last month, a National Conference of Synagogue Youth chapter advisers from California filed a similar lawsuit against the Orthodox Union, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Devorah Lunger claimed she was not provided with rest or meal breaks and was not paid for overtime employee attendance.