California Surveyors Forums

Dear kind folks,

Like all others, my company has gone serious changes in the last year. We have been discussing policies and trying to learn from the past.

One of the issues is Smoking. It was noted that there are normal break times for everyone. (we dont schedule these) Employees just take a quick stretch break, coffee, etc . . .
The issue was that the Office smokers would take their 10-minute smoke breaks seemingly every hour. (8-9 smokes/day)
The argument for this excessive behaviour, was that the "Field" taff could smoke all day !
Apparently it wasnt long before the Office staff divided themselves into the smoke breakers,. . . .and the convenience store runners.

Note; My office was in the front of the building, so I was not aware of the situation. My office Mgr didnt report this !

Between Company losses, and economic depression, this amazing issue was solved.

I wish to know if there is a Law governing the amount of smoke breaks that must be paid for (by the company).

Please . . . .this is not a judgement issue, I want to be fair to all . . .and mostly keep the doors open so people (like mee too) can have a job.

All coments will be really appreciated :~)

Thanks

Dave Harris
L.S.5443

This might shed some light

http://www.dir.ca.gov/IWC/IWCArticle4.pdf

Looks like two 10 minute breaks preferably in the middle of their two four hour work periods, plus whatever lunch time they have.

In addition it looks like employees with registration or licensure by the state (ie "professionals") can be exempted from this benefit.

The difference between the field and the office is that in most places, the field employees can continue to be productive as they smoke. Because of state law (nevermind company policy), office workers generally cannot continue working as they smoke because their work is at their desk yet they must exit the building to smoke.

Smoking is a choice made by each individual to do it or not. If one chooses to smoke, then one must adhere to the rules and policies in force where that person also chooses to work. If they can't confine their urges to their lunch and state mandated break times, then they should not expect someone else to pay for their non-productive time.

If the employer chooses to allow the smokers to take extra breaks throughout the day, the employer can reasonably expect each of those employees to make up that time at the end of the day.

Thanks !!!
Yes, We agree that field employees can be productive during the smoke.

If we get the chance to remain in business, we will follow law, and create fair policies that ideal employee can live with. Truely, if an employee cannot live with a policy, then they may not be Ideal for a certain company.

Right now, our heavily tattoo'd employees, maintain proper cover during work hours. Also our people maintain proper attire for their tasks.
These two items have never been challanged. It was only My smokers that took offense to restrainment.

they'd walk a mile for their Camels LOL

DH