Are there any laws in michigan about breaks at work?

Question

I am a restaurant manager and I work 4 10 hour days per week. I do not get a break. Not even 5 minutes. I would like to know if this is against the law. Also where could I find supporting text?

Answer 1

Are employees required by law to have a meal or break period?

Agency: Labor & Economic Growth


Employees under 18 years of age may not work more than 5 continuous hours without a 30 minute uninterrupted rest period. There are no requirements for breaks, meal or rest periods for employees over 18 years of age.


Where an employer has a break, meal or rest period policy, the employee must be completely relieved of work duties and free to pursue his or her own interest to not be considered work time (Cherney v. West Michigan Cleaners 84-3823).

Answer 2

I live elsewhere, so the laws may be similar or not. I know from experience that an hourly-paid employee is entitled to a 15 minute break after working four hours, but, not so with management. You manage (are responsible for) the business at all times during your shift and must be available at all times for staff and customer problems. My nephew manages a McDonald's. Your state should have something in writing on this under labour laws.

Answer 3

The correct answer to your very broad question is yes, there IS a law in Michigan requiring a rest / meal break during working hours.

Whether it applies to you or not is not for this forum.

The specific law is quoted below:

The Youth Employment Standards Act covers all Michigan employers, and:

Sets work permit requirements for minors
Prohibits employment of minors in hazardous occupations
Regulates hours of employment for minors
Provides meal/rest periods for minors

Meals and Rest Period -- Employees under 18 years of age may not work more than 5 continuous hours without a 30 minute rest period. There are no requirements for breaks, meal or rest periods for employees over 18 years of age.

Limitations on Hours of Work -- There are no laws limiting the hours in a day that employees over 18 years of age may work. Hours of work for minor employees are limited by the Youth Employment Standards Act.

Work Permits -- Work permits are required for employees ages 14-17 and are obtained from the school district in which the minor resides. A minor 11 years of age or older may be employed as a golf caddy.

Hazardous Employment Youth [phone] -- The employment of persons under 18 years of age in hazardous occupations such as those requiring the use of power driven machines or chemicals marked "Dangerous" is prohibited.

Answer 4

Fair labor practices are supposed to be posted in an employee break room. Information on this should be there along with minimum wage and other information.

Answer 5

check with your local EEOC. You may be surprised that most states are only required to give an employee 10 minutes every 4 hours for a bathroom break.

Answer 6

30 minutes in an 8 hour shift is mandatory. the 30 minutes must start after the 8th hour if it hasnt already. I seem to remember seeing it on the minimum wage thing all jobs are supposed to post.

Answer 7

nope