EmploymentQuestion 991 of 1605
An employee's schedule is broken into two work periods separated by a long, unpaid, non-mealtime gap (a 'split shift'). What may the employee be owed under California law?
a.Double time for the whole day
b.A four-hour reporting-time penalty
c.Nothing extra; split shifts are freely allowed
d.A split-shift premium of one additional hour of pay at minimum wage when the daily earnings do not already cover it
Explanation
California Wage Orders provide a 'split-shift premium': when an employer requires a split shift (two distinct work periods separated by more than a bona fide meal period), the employee is owed one additional hour of pay at the state minimum wage, to the extent the employee's earnings for the day do not already exceed the sum of the day's wages plus that extra hour. It compensates for the inconvenience of the unpaid gap.
Law Reference: Labor Code §226.7; §512; split-shift premiumPractice all 1605 questions free — no signup required.
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Sen Lin, PrepPass Founder · Verified against California CSLB Contractor License Law & Business Exam · How we review
Reviewed by Abraham Chen — Licensed California General Contractor (CSLB License #1101856 — verify)