With few exceptions, non-exempt or “hourly” employees are entitled a 30 minute unpaid meal period after no more than five (5) hours of work. Failure to receive the required meal period in a timely fashion entitles the employee to an extra hour of pay. This is true even if the employee actually takes a meal period if the employee worked in excess of five (5) hours before taking his or her meal break.
Non-exempt employees are also entitled to certain specified paid rest breaks. Failure to receive the required breaks entitles the employee to an extra hour of pay per day.
If you think that you have been unfairly denied meal and/or rest breaks, please contact us to discuss your claim.