What are federal laws for breaks during work?

[amdskip]

I'm searching around but theres too much crap on the labor site. I'm asking for someone as they are forced to take an hour lunch if they work 8 hours thus being at work for 9 hours which sucks.

Edit: This is for Iowa but the employer claims it is a federal law

and this is an hourly position.
Also, working 8 hours you take 2 15 minute paid breaks along with the unpaid lunch.

 

[SaintGRW]

I think you're allowed to work 8 hours without a lunch if you wish to do so. 😀unno;

 

i have to take 30 minutes, work 7.5

i think labor laws are state specific

 

[Dragnov]

Mmm, I'm pretty sure you should look up State laws rather than federal.

 

[marquee]

is he salaried? or gets paid by the hour?
i think it would make a difference, if he's salaried, the company might just require 9 hours per day, allowing you an hour to eat if you choose to take it.
if he's paid by hour, and he's not during paid during the lunch break.. i'm not sure they can force him to take it.

of course, i'm just guessing here. i dont really know.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

In California atleast, there must be a 15 minute break period every 4 hours if you work more than 4, and there must be a half hour break if you work more than 6. So places with an hour lunch simply take all three breaks at one time. Some places are more flexible than others on this.

 

[Viper GTS]

Federal laws mandate a 30 minute lunch & two ten minute breaks per 8 hour shift. The lunch must be at least 3 hours into the shift.

That's it, a company could mandate 3 hour lunches if they wanted.

If someone doesn't like it, they can get another job.

Viper GTS

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: SaintGRW
I think you're allowed to work 8 hours without a lunch if you wish to do so. 😀unno;

in Canada, you HAVE to have a lunch. meaning, if you chose to not take one, you will be deducted the time for one anyways.
so ya might as well take one 🙂
it may just be Ontario, but I know this is the case here anyways.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Federal laws mandate a 30 minute lunch & two ten minute breaks per 8 hour shift. The lunch must be at least 3 hours into the shift.

That's it, a company could mandate 3 hour lunches if they wanted.

If someone doesn't like it, they can get another job.

Viper GTS

are you sure? i thought i read on the minimum wage board (that is supposed to be posted at every place of business) it was two 15 minutes and 1 hour lunch as a federal law

 

[trmiv]

I work 8 to 5 and take an hour lunch. I rarely take my other breaks though, I should start. Nothing to do when I take them though.

 

[Toasthead]

Originally posted by: SaintGRW
I think you're allowed to work 8 hours without a lunch if you wish to do so. 😀unno;

I believe if you work more than like 6 hours in CA you have to take a lunch break. I MAY be making this up though.

 

[dullard]

Google gave me this: "There is no federal law that gives you meal or rest breaks. However, your state might have a labor law that gives you time off for meals (like a lunch break) or for a rest break (perhaps a mid-afternoon break)." There are dozens more stating the same thing.

Then Google also gave the US department of labor list of state laws. Iowa isn't in that list for adults meaning there is no law requiring breaks (but it says minors have a law).

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Federal laws mandate a 30 minute lunch & two ten minute breaks per 8 hour shift. The lunch must be at least 3 hours into the shift.

That's it, a company could mandate 3 hour lunches if they wanted.

If someone doesn't like it, they can get another job.

Viper GTS

are you sure? i thought i read on the minimum wage board (that is supposed to be posted at every place of business) it was two 15 minutes and 1 hour lunch as a federal law

Doh, I was thinking of Oregon state laws...

Scratch what I said. Dullard's post is correct, there are no federal laws regarding break/meal periods.

States, however, usually specify their own requirements.

My recommendation still stands though, employer's can require all kinds of stuff as a condition of employment.

Viper GTS

 

I've looked it up for Michigan law, and I think it varies by state. In Michigan there is no mandated break for anyone over the age of 18. Sorry, all you Michigan laborers.

 

[Savij]

I know that in TN i have to have either a 30 min or 1hr break for an 8 hour day.

 

[Gyrene]

Originally posted by: Savij
I know that in TN i have to have either a 30 min or 1hr break for an 8 hour day.

It's two 15 minute paid breaks, and an hour unpaid lunch.

Military...you're a bitch all day long, unless you're on medical leave, then you're a bitch for half the day. 🙂