Work Laws With Breaks In Massachusetts
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If you work for more than 6 hours a day, you're entitled to an uninterrupted rest break of at least 20 minutes - for example a tea or lunch break.
An employer in the US should permit you to take a break, however there's no Federal law requiring that. Laws may vary somewhat in different states, and they may vary by the type of job you do. The break is normally 10 minutes for every 4 hours worked, but that also varies, depending on the state.
What is the law in California? Under California's meal and rest break law, non-exempt employees are entitled to a 10-minute rest break in a 5-hour shift, but not a meal break.
For an 8-hour work shift, employees are entitled to a minimum 20-minute uninterrupted break if they work more than six hours. The break should not be taken at the beginning or end of the shift, and employees must be allowed to take it away from their workstation.
Does my employer have to give me two 15-minute breaks per day? MGL c. 149, § 100 requires a 30 minute lunch period during shifts longer than six hours, but does not require breaks.
Doesn't my employer have to give me a break? The state law requires employers to provide restroom time and sufficient time to eat a meal. If the break is less than 20 minutes in duration, it must be counted as hours worked. Time to use the nearest restroom must be provided within each four consecutive hours of work.
In addition, a 30-minute meal break is required for anyone who works 5+ hours. That means in an 8-hour shift, an employee would have two rest breaks and one meal break. Arizona, on the other hand, doesn't require employers to offer any breaks during an 8-hour shift.
Generally, breaks are intended for rest and recovery during your scheduled hours, and using them to leave early might not be allowed. It's best to check with your supervisor or refer to your employee handbook for specific guidelines on breaks and leaving early.
Massachusetts General Law chapter 149, section 100, provides that "no person shall be required to work for more than six hours during a calendar day without an interval of at least thirty minutes for a meal." Iron works, glass works, paper mills, letter press establishments, print works, bleaching works, and dyeing ...
