2006-08-27 02:19:15 · 12 answers · asked by betty 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Every state is different, and there is no federal law governing meal periods.
I know of at least one state where your employer must ALLOW you to take a 30 minute break in a six hour [or greater] shift, but the choice is YOURS. You do not have to take that time away from the job if you don't want it.
But try telling that to an employer who has payroll figured out down to the nickel, taking into account your unpaid meal periods. This is when you run smack into that wall called "company policy."
If your employer states that you must take this meal break, you'd have a hard time getting any backing from the local labor board. Most employees in the US have very few rights. You'd be surprised what your boss can make you do--legally--and what kind of conditions you have to tolerate to remain employed, other than things that blatantly discriminate or harass based on things like gender, race, etc.
Almost any aspect of your job is fair game to be f*cked with at will.
But don't give up. Your state may have a history of protecting workers, with strong legislation. I'd look online for your state laws regarding this issue, or check the phone book for your state attorney general's office and call them for information. Good luck.
2006-08-27 05:31:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
State labor laws require certain breaks in a work-day. In most locations, the length of the break depends on the number of hours worked. If you don't comply, your employer can be fined or sued by the state.
2006-08-27 02:26:10 · answer #2 · answered by kaylora 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately if you do not take your break, then there are those that would and could, file a law suit, for a miriad of reasons, that they were'nt allowed to take a break, for what ever reason.....so it has been made a requirement to take a mandated break.
Sorry those are the breaks for being a litigious society.
Those that use the courts are the ones that eventually lose our freedoms
2006-08-27 02:51:51 · answer #3 · answered by battle-ax 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. If you don't take the break, you could get your employer in real trouble. Even though you don't want it, they don't know that later you won't come back and say that they didn't offer you a break.
2006-08-27 04:48:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cant believe your boss wont let you keep working on your break time. Tell him youll take it a few minutes at a time. Will you work for me?
2006-08-27 03:24:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, but try to time your break so that it coincides with a lull in the job, that way you will lose fewer tips. Good luck!
2006-08-27 02:25:23 · answer #6 · answered by Paul H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, after a certain period of work, you have to take a break.
This forced lunch break is required.
2006-08-27 02:22:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fed law requires breaks. What you choose to do on those breaks (ie--continue to work--or read a book) is your choice........
2006-08-27 02:27:15 · answer #8 · answered by Cherie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a question myself. By law your emplyer has to give you a break, but does that mean you have to accept it?
2006-08-27 02:26:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
By law, your employer has to give you breaks.
2006-08-27 02:24:08 · answer #10 · answered by JW 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋