Rest Breaks???

[chris54893]

What is the name of your state? WI
I work for a very busy fast food restaurant which is privately owned. My boss only schedules employees to work usually 5 or 6 hours per day to avoid having to give breaks. Is this legal? She said that she doesn't have to give breaks to any employee unless they have worked 6 consecutive hours, which means we don't get a break at all. Occasionally she will schedule an employee to work an 8 hour shift and only then will she give a quick 10 min. break. I thought if you worked 8 hours you were entitled to a 30 min. break and if you worked at least 4 hours you were entitled a 10 min. break during the middle of your shift.

 

[cbg]

Sorry, Chris, but you thought wrong.

Nothing in Federal law requires an employer to EVER give breaks. While there are rules that the employer has to follow if they CHOOSE to give breaks, NOTHING in Federal law requires ANY breaks.

Likewise, in WI, breaks of any kind are required ONLY if the employee is under 18 years of age. No breaks are required under your state law for adult employees.

http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/er/labor_standards_bureau/breaks_and_meals.htm

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/workhours/breaks.htm

Your boss is doing nothing illegal.

 

[chris54893]

thanks... I don't like it but I'm glad I know now.

 

[HomeGuru]

Just take a lot of bathroom breaks.

 

[chris54893]

Thanks! I'll do that.

 

[cbg]

Uh, before you get overly enthusiastic about that idea (which I don't believe was meant entirely seriously) keep in mind that TOO many bathroom breaks will be, rightfully, seen as nothing but an excuse to get off the floor for a few minutes and appropriate discipline can be applied.

Keep it reasonable.

 

[HomeGuru]

Yes, of course reasonable.