My boss decided to put me on a salary. And about a week ago I took a day off because I was really sick. I'm a receptionist for 2 attorneys. So I decided in order to make up my time I would come in an hour early, well he's told me that he didn't want me to make it up an hour early because he doesn't know that I'm doing actual work so he wants me to make it up during my 1 hour lunch break and answer calls. Mind you everyone in the office goes to lunch all at the same time soooo, what's the purpose of doing that if everyone's at lunch? I told him if he's worrying about if I'm really here or not I can just send him an email from my work computer just so the time of morning can pop up. I don't do much here except answer calls and scan documents why can't I do this an hour early? Is it against the law to not have a lunch break?
2006-10-09 08:52:28 · 32 answers · asked by bettyspagettii 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Hello, Yeah It is against the law...you can call human resources beacuse that is not right at all...taking a day off because you are sick should not count against you...it's not like it's your fault you got sick!!!
I worked at Taco Bell for two years...and in that period of time I had only recieved 4 breaks total in two years...even when i worked 12-14hrs sometimes i didnt get a break :( it sux....
here's a number you can call...
1-800-435-5858
thats for AutoHR...they can fix that problem like they fixed mine.
Really hope this helps.
-Dee
2006-10-09 08:59:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's all you have to do, you get to sit all day, and have an hour lunch! Wow, what I wouldn't give! But I'm betting you only get a min. wage, right? Gotta be something wrong with that kind of job besides mean bosses.
I don't know about receptionists but for those of us who work out on the plant floor in an industry of some sort the law requires not only at least a 30 Minuit lunch break but two 15 Minuit breaks. One before lunch and one after.
Your bosses are lawyers. Ask them, while your sitting at the computer ready to look something up. Like maybe laws of the workplace.
2006-10-09 09:25:24 · answer #2 · answered by Sulkahlee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would contact your local labor law attorney. This could or could not be against the law. I would guess that it is but each state has it's own laws. It is very childish for him to that. I mean an hour of work is an hour of work. Maybe you should just offer to take the time off. Even though you are on salary you should still have sick days or vacation time? Anyway I would try those. Hope it helps and good luck.
2006-10-09 09:04:09 · answer #3 · answered by fdmedic84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Offer a compromise. Take a half hour lunch so you make it up a half hour at a time.
Just so you know your position probably does not qualify as "salaried" it should be hourly. Don't let your boss being a lawyer intimidate you on this. He is trying to avoid overtime and that is illegal. This could get him in trouble with the bar association. Check with your state department of labor about htis.
2006-10-09 08:58:02 · answer #4 · answered by my_iq_135 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is against the law for your boss to take away your lunchbreak. At least it is in my state (New Jersey). You're supposed to get at least a ten minute break every two hours and a half-hour lunch for every 8 hours you work, if I remember it correctly. It doesn't matter if you're doing backbreaking manual labor or sitting at a desk. The rules are the same.
2006-10-09 08:56:18 · answer #5 · answered by made_of_spam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell him you are contacting the labor board to see if he can keep you from a lunch break. In most states, 6 hours on the clock is the maximum before a lunch is required. If you are on salary, it will depend upon how many hours you work in a week.
2006-10-09 08:55:49 · answer #6 · answered by draftboyg 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm almost positive that it is against the law. But before you start quoting statutes at your boss, you may want to think about keeping your job..if you don't care, then go for it and raise a stink..but if you need your job you should go ahead and eat your lunch at your desk...of course be sure to talk to everyone with your mouth full!! and leave messages for you boss the same way. Make sure that you put in alot of smacking noises! :-)
He'll change his mind soon I bet. Good Luck!
2006-10-09 09:07:01 · answer #7 · answered by HowlnWoof 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the 4 hours = 1 half hour lunch break is for minors only. As for you, if you are over 18, you actually may not be able to do anything about it. Can you eat at your desk? If nobody is there, who cares anyway, right?
2006-10-09 09:01:56 · answer #8 · answered by mynickname 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An employer doesn't have to let you make up time - especially if you are salaried. But they do have to give you the promised lunches and breaks. Contact your local labor board, or speak to the other attorney about this situation.
2006-10-09 09:01:19 · answer #9 · answered by Jennifer W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey there, unfortunately if you are on salary, I think your boss can do pretty much what he wants. =( But, if you think he may do that again, just be prepared the next time, and take your lunch. I eat at my desk most days. Be lucky you get an hour, I only get 30 minutes. =)
2006-10-09 08:55:00 · answer #10 · answered by aloneinga 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋