Q: If i am underage and my employer is taking me off the schedule because i called out of work sick is it illegal?
I have also worked a couple of shifts that are longer than 6 hours without a break and have worked passed 11 pm on some days that i have school.
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A:
Your employer's actions and scheduling practices raise several concerns under California labor laws. Taking you off the schedule for using sick leave could be considered retaliation, which is illegal under California's paid sick leave laws.
Working shifts longer than 6 hours without breaks violates California labor law, which requires meal breaks of at least 30 minutes for shifts over 5 hours. For minors specifically, you must receive meal breaks of at least 30 minutes for shifts over 4 hours. Additionally, you're entitled to 10-minute rest breaks for every 4 hours worked.
As for working past 11 PM on school nights, this directly violates California child labor laws. On school nights, minors aged 16-17 cannot work past 10 PM (with some exceptions for school-approved work experience programs), and those under 16 cannot work past 7 PM. You should document these violations, including dates and times, and consider reporting them to the California Labor Commissioner's Office. They can investigate your case and help protect your rights as young worker.
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