Am I obligated for a break in the middle of my shift?

Question

I routinely work 6 hour shifts without a break, in fact I'm told by management that I don't get a break for working 6 hours. I know in some states this is illegal. Is it illegal for my employers to do this? I live in Illinois if that helps at all.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The Federal minimum is a fifteen minute break for eight hours of work. You need to check your specific state laws. Your employer may also have their own policy, as long as it is within state and federal law. It may also depend on what type of work you do as well.

Answer 2

I think the federal law is a 15 minute break in the middle of an 8 hour shift. 6 hours does not qualify.

Answer 3

i live in illinois also. where i work we get one 15 min. break for a 4 hr shift. two 15 min. breaks for a 6 hr shift. those are all paid breaks. now if we work 8 hrs we get two paid 15 min. breaks and an unpaid 1/2 hr lunch.

at another job i had here in illinois i worked a 5 hr shift and we got a ten minute paid break.....although if we werent meeting our quota for the night we didnt get a break or the 10 min break was shortened to 5 minutes.

maybe it just depends on your company's policy. if all else fails check ur employee handbook.....if you have one.

Answer 4

10 mins. per 4 hours. 10 mins for anything over. You are also entitled to a meal break if working 8 hr. shift but that time may be added to your total shift time.

Answer 5

join/form a union

Answer 6

this question is specific to your state. ask your boss or human resources dpeartment.