Dear Valued Client,
As part of our commitment to transparency, we want to explain a line item you may occasionally see on your invoice: Meal Break Premiums.
Under California Labor Code § 226.7 and § 512, employers are legally required to provide employees with uninterrupted meal periods during their shifts. If, due to the nature of an assignment, an investigator cannot take a timely meal break (for example, during active surveillance where leaving post would compromise the investigation), California law mandates that the employer pay the investigator one additional hour of wages at their regular rate of pay.
For years, Hodson PI has absorbed these costs internally. However, due to rising operational expenses and the increased frequency of cases requiring uninterrupted coverage, we can no longer sustain absorbing these legally mandated wages. To maintain compliance with the law while continuing to provide the high-quality investigative services you expect, these costs must now be passed on to clients when they occur.
We do everything possible to minimize these charges by structuring shifts responsibly. However, when investigative conditions prevent a break, the law requires that we compensate our staff accordingly.
In summary:
- California law requires an extra hour of pay if an investigator cannot take their meal break.
- Hodson PI has covered these costs for years, but rising costs now make this unsustainable.
- These premiums are billed only when case demands prevent a break.
- We remain committed to transparency and legal compliance in serving your needs.
We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we continue to conduct your investigations in both a legally compliant and professional manner.
Sincerely,
Justin D. Hodson, CPI
President & CEO
Hodson P.I., LLC