Mar. 3, 2005 – Amidst debate over changing workplace regulations, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger?s administration created a fake news video proclaiming the benefits of ending mandatory lunch breaks for workers. The video, created using taxpayer money, was aired on as many as 18 stations in early February.
State hearings opened last month to debate changing meal break regulations. The administration proposal would limit workers? ability to sue employers for failing to grant lunch breaks. In addition, the administration proposes shifting responsibility for taking breaks from employer to worker.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the administration?s one-sided video resembles a newscast, and says the proposal would allow workers "to eat when they are hungry, and not when the government tells them."
Critics say the video is propaganda, and may have violated internal governmental regulations.
