Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Yeah you don't have to take one you're only entitled to a meal period. But your boss is not a fool. They would be risking a wage and hour lawsuit if they let you work through lunch. He can make you stop and go off the clock regardless if you want to eat or not.

Mr. Kubler is correct. Your employer is not obligated to force you to take the break, but they can force you to if they want to. Most employers are not willing to go to the trouble of documenting a willing and knowing waiver of the meal period to avoid being sued; so they make the employee's take them.

No. Breaks are required, may not be waived, and the company must insure you are given them and that you take them. Failure to do so could cost them penalties.