Iowa Can an employer pay some employees lunch and breaks and not others who do the same job?

Question

This is a union job. It boils down to 2.5 hours a week more pay at time and a half for some employees while others do not get the same paid lunch or breaks? The employees are performing the same jobs as each other, so it isn't according to job, looks to be more by "like and dislike".....Just didn't think this sounds right? Any guidance would be appreciated. We have figured this would be anywhere from $12,500-$30,000 in back pay that is due to each employee that has not been getting the paid lunches and breaks

Hi, thanks for the responses. Yes they/we are all same department and job title. All full time. Union Rep updated today that he does not see how this is something the company can get by with, so will be filing a greivance. We just could not see how this could be fair. Too much money involved to let it go once it was discovered. Thanks again.

Answer 1

no. that would be illegal. normally 30 min. lunch and 2 15 min. breaks are unpaid. go talk to ur union and see whats going on.

Answer 2

yes, and it's quite legal. I have all kinds of employees that work for me, same basic job, that I pay differently for all kinds of reasons - from time on the job/how long they've been with the company, how well they do the job/performance bonus, pre-employment qualifications, to how much education they have. your only right as an employee is that if you find the terms of your employment intolerable or distasteful is to quit and find a new job. frankly, if you were worth more I'm sure they would pay you more - since they don't pay you more, it suggests the problem is you.

Answer 3

I would check with your union rep. Hard to believe a union shop would even try to do this since all members are covered under the same contract.

Answer 4

This is a union matter. Talk with your rep. All should be treated according to the union contract.

Answer 5

Is everyone the same full time or part time status?