Can a non-exempt employee take their lunch period at the end of a day in order to leave early with their supervisor's permission? Rita Risser's response: Doesn't it seem like this is a perfectly reasonable request? Unfortunately, in California, it is illegal for an employer to allow an employee to do this, even at the employee's request! The state wants employees to take lunch breaks, and neither employees nor employers can change that. They can only agree to waive the lunch if the employee works for 6 hours or less a day, and various other legal requirements are met. Disclaimer: This information is provided with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services. The publishers disclaim any liability, loss or risk incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this information. This information is not a substitute for the advice of a competent legal or other professional person. You are encouraged to subscribe, link, pass along to others, and/or reprint these articles/pages electronically or on paper, as long as the following credit line is used: © Copyright 1997-2002, Fair Measures, www.FairMeasures.com. For more information about Fair Measures please contact us at: Fair Measures, P.O. Box 2146, Santa Cruz, CA, 95063, 831-458-0500, 800-458-2778, FAX 831-458-0181, info@fairmeasures.com © Copyright 1997-2002 by Fair Measures. All rights reserved. Read our Privacy Policy. To back-page, Use your browser BACK button