Labor Law: Breaks & LUnches?

Question

Is there a law in Alabama requiring an employer to provide breaks and/or lunches after a certain period of hours worked? Please explain in detail.

Answer 1

Federal Labor Law (which pertains to all states) says that if you work for 4 hours you get a 15 minute break, 6 hours you get a 15 minute break and a 30 minute unpaid lunch and 8 hours or more you get 2 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute unpaid lunch. The lunch period (meal time) is not paid, but your employer must pay you for the 15 minute breaks (anything 20 minutes and under). For meal times you have to be completely relieved of your duties of work. If you have to work during your meal time, then your employer is required to pay you for this time also. http://www.dol.gov/dol/allcfr/Title_29/Part_785/29CFR785.18.htm
Take a look at the links at the bottom too.

Answer 2

Check with your state's department of labor.

My understanding that in WI, anyone working a total of 6 hours or more has the right to take a 30 minute break.

If you check this out on your dept of labor's website, you will get your answer. You can also look at work - anyone that has employers has to have up labor law posters with the info, as well as an 800 number to contact them with questions.

Good luck!!

Answer 3

Whatever is allowed may differ from one company to the next. Check and see what are your company's SOP - Standing Operating Procedures (or a similar name). This usally outlines hour of work, eligibility for overtime, vacation time etc. It should also cover breaks and lunches. If you have a union, check with your union rep to see what the union's contract says about this matter.