CAL.Regulation
California exempts stationary engineers from standard meal-period rules under qualifying union contracts
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2078 on September 18, 2026, adding stationary engineers who perform building-maintenance work to the categories of employees exempt from California's standard meal-period rules. The exemption applies only when the worker is covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement that provides meal periods, final and binding arbitration of meal-period disputes, premium overtime pay, and a regular rate at least 30 percent above the state minimum wage.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) →
Key points
- AB 2078 became Chapter 287, Statutes of 2026, approved September 18, 2026; non-urgency, effective January 1, 2027.California Legislative Information
- A stationary engineer means a skilled tradesperson at a fixed facility operating boilers, chillers, HVAC and other plant machinery.California Legislative Information
- The qualifying agreement must expressly cover wages, hours, working conditions, meal periods and final binding arbitration.California Legislative Information
- The agreement must provide premium overtime rates and a regular rate at least 30 percent above minimum wage.California Legislative Information
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California Legislative Information