Employers not responsible for how (or whether) workers take breaks

Somewhat convoluted opinion by the California Supreme Court on a somewhat convoluted case that's been dragging out for years. Basically, employers must allow workers to take scheduled breaks, but they're under no obligation to ensure that the breaks are taken. In other words, companies should not have to be break monitors. From the LAT:

Tens of thousands of California workers who have sued major employers contend that companies evade state labor law requirements by making it impossible for workers to take scheduled breaks. Employers have countered that they should not be forced to police their workers as long as breaks are scheduled and made available. "The Supreme Court handed down a dose of common sense today by ruling that employers should not and cannot be required to be the 'meal police,' " said employment lawyer Wendy Lane. Michelle Lee Flores, another employment lawyer, called the ruling "a relief." The labor code never intended that "California employers should behave like parents to petulant schoolchildren," Flores said.