Working multiple days in a row can leave you burnt out, especially if it is a common occurrence. When this happens, you may wonder if your employer is abiding by the California Labor Code. According to section 552, employers may not schedule workers to work more than six days out of a seven-day period. If your employer enforces a seven-day workweek, they may be guilty of a misdemeanor. However, there are exceptions, so it is in your best interest to speak with an employment lawyer for an assessment of your claim. 

The leading employment lawyers at Blackstone Law specialize in helping employees uphold their legal rights, including the right to a day off work. We have litigated countless cases for clients in their pursuit to hold their employers accountable for violating California labor laws. Working too many consecutive days can harm your physical and mental health, which is why we aggressively advocate for the justice you deserve if your employer is infringing upon your rights. 

Consecutive Days You Can Legally Work in California

Working consecutive days in a row may be grueling, but it is only a dispute concerning employee rights if you do not get one rest day out of seven, according to California Labor Code, Section 551. However, it does not enforce when the rest day must be scheduled. Section 554 provides freedom in how to offer days off, which could account for your packed working schedule. Additionally, employees may not necessarily be entitled to one day of rest in a period of seven days but are entitled to a day off for every six days in the same calendar month.

In addition to days off, employees who work over five hours per day are entitled to a 30-minute meal break and a second 30-minute break for working at least 10 hours per day. 

If your employer violates California’s labor laws, they may be charged with a misdemeanor offense and may have to pay damages for lost wages as well as the following: 

  • A fine of $50 for the first violation for every pay period and each affected employee
  • Any subsequent violations incur a $100 fine for every pay period and each affected employee
  • Unpaid wages 

If your employer has violated California labor codes, speak with an experienced lawyer at Blackstone Law. We are well-versed in navigating the legal process to fight for favorable outcomes.

Exceptions to California Labor Code 554 

While Section 554 does mention some exceptions, these exceptions only apply to specific occupational fields such as agriculture and railroads, as well as instances when the employee must work to protect life or property.

Part-Time Employees 

In most cases, regulations do not apply to employees who work part-time, either less than six hours per day or 30 hours per workweek. There are stipulations for part-time workers, such as being exempt if their employment hours amount to less than 30 hours a week. If you work over 30 hours in a given workweek, you are entitled to a day of rest.

Speak With the Leading California Labor Lawyers at Blackstone Law 

All employees deserve a day of rest. If you believe your rights have been violated, speak with the employment lawyers at Blackstone Law for an assessment of your claim. If your employer violated your rights, you may be entitled to damages. 

Schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our leading employment lawyers by calling (310) 956-4054 or filling out our contact form. We can help determine the validity of your claim and guide you through the best legal options in your unique circumstance.