How do I report this?

Question

My boss at work is only giving us 1 break (a 30 minute lunch with 10 minutes added on) for a full days shift. Myself and some coworkers are very upset and since this is ongoing and getting worse, we want to report this issue. But I can't find any details on how to report it. Anyone know?

I live in California and what my understanding is during an 8 hour shift they are required to give us 2 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch (which is off the clock)

Answer 1

California State law is 2-10 minute (paid) breaks and 1-30 min (unpaid) lunch for an 8-hour shift. I would bring this to their attention. If it is not corrected, you can contact the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

They also can not lump all the time into 1 long rest period.

Good luck.

Answer 2

(You didn't state what type of work you are doing, or if you belong to a union so this answer goes on the premise that the lunch break is unacceptable given your work situation (such as not being able go to the bathroom except during your break, etc) and that you do not belong to a union.)

First -- approach your boss with your complaint. This break schedule may have evolved from another group of individuals that are no longer working at the company. No one will know that you are unhappy with the situation unless you say something. If you and your co-workers approach your boss with reasonable requests and expectations you may be able to resolve this matter without getting the law involved. Legal threats should be your *last* effort at resolving the issue.

If, after lodging your concern/complaint with the boss, nothing changes check the labor law in your state before doing anything else. The law will spell out the requirements for breaks and lunches and will give you a better idea if you have a leg to stand on. At that point, you can usually file a complaint with the state (if the law is in your favor) and follow their procedure. Keep in mind that not every state has laws about breaks/lunches so you may be out of luck. And again, legal threats should be used as your last option. They can lead to a pretty nasty situation that could put you out of a job altogether -- is a 40 minute lunch (as your only break) really worth the effort?

Good luck!

Answer 3

Find out what your state and local laws are. My husband works 10 hour shifts and he only gets two 10 minute breaks and a 20 minute lunch. Maybe you could work your 40 minutes like that?

Also, at one point, I was working for a company that gave 1/2 hour paid lunch to any employee who worked 6 hour shifts and they continually scheduled me for 5 hour-45 minute shifts, so in essence, they paid me for 15 minutes less than a 6 hour shift and got 15 minutes more of work out of me. They'll do anything they can legally get away with!

Answer 4

If you have a personnel (human resources) dept start there. Next is the Labor Board (should be in phone book in the Government pages). You are correct that you are entitled to a paid 15 minute break every 4 hours, however, you may not be entitled to a paid lunch break--so might have to work 8.5 hours for a half hour lunch.

Answer 5

What is your complaint, and why do you think you can report it someplace? Breaks and lunches are not required by federal law. Depending on where you are, some states do have requirements regarding breaks and lunches - if your state does, you'd get a more complete answer here if you said where you live and work. Please give more info.

Answer 6

The linked page will give you some basic information on what the laws and practices are regarding work breaks. As has already been mentioned, you don't have much to work with federally.

Answer 7

If you feel that the employees are being done wrong, call the Labor Board and discuss the situation with them. They will inform you of your rights.

Answer 8

First of all, where do you live? I will research and post more once I have that information.