What are the break and lunchbreak laws?
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What are the break and lunchbreak laws?
I work for a popular grocery chain 8 hours a day and do not get any breaks.Can I sue?
Asked on March 24, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
What most people don't realize is that federal law doesn't require either meal or rest breaks. That having been said, if an employer does choose to offer short breaks (up to 20 minutes in duration), those breaks as "compensable work" hours (i.e. time that should be paid) and must be included in hours worked during the work week. Breaks over 20 minutes in lenght are not work time, so are not compensable. The exception to the no break rule is that employers are required to provide employees with reasonable breastfeeding or breast pumping breaks. Note, a union agreemnt or employment contract may include provisions about breaks that exceed federal/state laws. As for FL, as with some other states, it follows federal law.
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