Message from GRF President Linda Stone

The California State Legislature approved language in wage and hour laws that all employees must be paid overtime if an individual works more than eight hours a day. We can all agree that is fair.

What was true before, however, is not true now as the courts have clarified the law in recent rulings. The following three examples now are legally working overtime.

1. Ifanemployeeclocksinat7:55a.m.,takesamandatedhalf-hourlunchbreak, then clocks out at 4:30 p.m.
2. Astandardpracticeinthepastwastoofferavoluntarywaivertoemployeesthat wanted to work through lunch so they could leave early for a doctor’s appointment.
3. Interruptinganemployee’slunchorbreaktodiscusswork-relatedissueoraska question.

It is the law going forward and retroactively to the years before the courts’ ruling. Golden Rain Foundation, along with many other companies, were liable although we acted in good faith with the interpretation of the law at the time.

Click here to read more details.

Last week’s announcement that the Golden Rain Foundation settled a lawsuit regarding complicated employee meal and rest-break wage regulations for $550,000 generated several inquiries from our community that, as promised, we are answering today.

As a reminder, our settlement eliminates a potentially costly and uncertain legal fight and removes financial uncertainty for future budgeting. GRF admitted no wrong-doing in conjunction with the settlement that will be paid from our capital budget and will have NO impact on shareholder and member fees or existing projects.

Click here to read more details.