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Meal and Rest Breaks

Certain state laws protect employees against an employer’s unfair treatment regarding meal and rest breaks, while others do not do quite as good as a job at this. Because of this, it is important to speak with an employment law attorney in your state who can look at the details of your case and accurately inform you of the meal and rest break laws in your state and how they affect you.

Do you or a loved one have additional questions regarding meal and rest breaks and how the laws impact you? Do you believe you are being treated unfairly and that your rights are being violated? Our employment law attorneys are here to help. Contact an employment lawyer in your area today for more information.

Our employment law attorneys help clients with a variety of issues in addition to meal and rest break violations, including but not limited to the following:

• Minimum wage violations
• Paid time off
• Bonuses
• Tips
• Wage and hour laws

While most places offer paid meal breaks (often referred to as lunch breaks, but may be referred to as dinner or breakfast breaks depending on the time of the shift) it may not be required for your employer to do so. Regardless, if you are a full time employee, you should be allowed the time (at least thirty minutes, or up to an hour) to take a break from work in order to eat. Although you may not be compensated during this time, it is illegal for your employer to penalize you or dock you because of it.

While some companies may offer one or two paid short breaks during the day, it is not required that all states obside by this rule. Regardless, your employer should not penalize you or dock your pay if you are seen leaving your desk to do something such as get a drink of water or use the restroom.

Would you like more information about the laws surrounding meal and rest breaks in your state? Do you believe you are being victimized and taken advantage of at your place of employment? Our employment lawyers are here to help. Contact an employment law attorney near you today to learn more.