I've been working full time in my job for 3 years now. Last October, working time was changed from 9.00 - 4.30 to 9.00 - 5.00. We were previously given an hours' lunch and this was also reduced to 1/2 an hour. Last week, the new management in the office informed us that we should be taking an hour for lunch. I have worked out that from then until now i have worked an additional 1 week and 1 day, free of payment. Do i have any right to claim this time back?
2007-03-12 03:41:24 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Go to the OSHA website and they will let you know about violations and regulatory break standards and adherence.
Here is the Law:
Federal law does not require lunch or coffee breaks. However, when employers do offer short breaks (usually lasting about 5 to 20 minutes), federal law considers the breaks work-time that must be paid. Unauthorized extensions of authorized work breaks need not be counted as hours worked when the employer has expressly and unambiguously communicated to the employee that the authorized break may only last for a specific length of time, that any extension of the break is contrary to the employer's rules, and any extension of the break will be punished.
Bona fide meal periods (typically lasting at least 30 minutes), serve a different purpose than coffee or snack breaks and, thus, are not work time and are not compensable.
The next course of action would be checking w/ mgmt to find out what their guidelines would be and then, adhering to their policy.
2007-03-12 03:54:49 · answer #1 · answered by tm_jc1 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where you live but if you did work you need to keep a log of that for proof for yourself. If they require a break you should take it whether you are asked to work through it or not. Unless you have a really good reason to don't work for free (off the clock or otherwise). Working for no payment is just as illegal as stealing for the employer in most places as far as I know.
2007-03-12 03:55:53 · answer #2 · answered by demon57534984 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you are luckier than most
most people work daily 8 1/2 hours
2 paid 15 minute breaks
1/2 hour unpaid lunch
you have have no claims due to that it was a rule until recently re-changed back
2007-03-12 03:49:58 · answer #3 · answered by Mopar Muscle Gal 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
you are going to have to check your states laws on that, I think it is different laws in different states. Maybe you should talk to the new management about the miscommunication on break-time. Tell them you thought it went down to half an hour and that's what you were taking when it was supposed to be an hour. Maybe they will recompensate you if it was their fault.
2007-03-12 03:46:48 · answer #4 · answered by Arraya 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to management, did you have to clock in and out for lunch? Can you prove the time you worked when you were suposed to be on break?
2007-03-12 03:45:27 · answer #5 · answered by justweird_sodeal 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it could be possible, try speaking to the inland revenue, or the acas. they can help you, take a look at the info below and see how long your break should be...........
5-8 hrs = 15 mins
8-10 hrs = 30 mins
10+ hrs = 60 mins
2007-03-12 03:52:29 · answer #6 · answered by HMB-100% Princess 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For every 6 hours you work you are entitled to a 15minute break
2007-03-12 03:48:51 · answer #7 · answered by Jackie M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As they say around hear, shy bairns get nowt, so give it a try, you have nothing to loose. I suuspect they will fing a way to get out of it but it is worth having a go. Good luck.
2007-03-12 03:45:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm going with mopar on this one
2007-03-12 03:56:44 · answer #9 · answered by Quizard 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your in the UK, go to ACAS website for more detail.
2007-03-12 03:43:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋